And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises (Hebrews 6:11-12 NKJV).

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In this chapter of the Book of Hebrews, five of God’s teachings to His people stick out to me: orientation, simplification, refinement, assurance, and patience. Friends, as always, I am humbled and honored to write to you about God and the relationships He shares with us. As we walk together through these five teachings, I invite you to test for yourselves if you see these patterns throughout Scripture and in Whom you understand God to be.

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1. Orientation. Every moment of every day there is an opportunity to orient the gaze of our hearts toward the Father. Whether life’s journey has us on a bright mountain top, a dark valley, or an idle desert or sea, we can turn toward Him, our Source for all. I choose to share this pattern of orientation with you because I have noticed in my own life that when things get busy, hurried, and my heart and mind feel distant from the Lord, the first step is to orient. I stop what I’m doing, remember He is no closer to me than within me, and orient the gaze of my heart toward Him who is worthy and ruling. This step is incredibly personal and intimate, as the Father shares a unique relationship with all of us. Turning to Him and saying, “Here I am,” is a beautiful ability He blesses us with.

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2. Simplification. God, what do I need to prioritize today? The author of Hebrews speaks of diligence, and for me, part of being diligent is focusing on what matters most, often times at the expense of other things. Each day, as activities, invitations, desires, and schedules all start stacking up, I can easily say yes to it all and be pretty overwhelmed. But God has taught me to simplify all things in my life so there’s more room for Him and so that I may focus full attention wherever my feet are. When I do not simplify, I eventually get sluggish and drift. Are there any ways you might simplify today?

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3. Refinement. Jesus, You are our assurance of hope. You became like us, died for us, and overcame the grave. Thank you for continuing to refine and develop us as Your children, co-workers, and servants. I’ve learned that part of refinement can be making choices. I’m either loving God or loving the world through the choices that I make. I know that trusting and loving the Creator leads to life, growth, and progress. A sermon recently reminded me that when a boat is not under power, it tends to drift, and that so do we when we are not moving toward what God has for us. If we are going to imitate those who inherit the promises, as the Scripture says, we must let God have all of us and let Him refine us.

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4. Assurance. God cannot break promises, and He has made wonderful and beautiful eternal promises to His people. When experiencing spiritual drift, it is easy to forget just how concrete and true God’s promises, faithfulness, and reliability truly are in each and every one of our lives. Friends, I invite you to remember that there is much more going on than our simple earthly realm. I encourage you, that no matter where you have been, what you’re going through now, or whatever challenges lie ahead, our God is faithful and true. We have the promise and opportunity to spend eternal life with Him, and He gives us the way through His Word, His Son, and His Spirit. We are the Church. We are the representatives of Jesus to the world, and witnesses of His love and mercy to one another. Be assured that He is who He says He is, and that He does what He says. The evidence is all around us. Please do not dwell in the darkness if you or someone you know is drifting. Move toward the light and all will be revealed in time.

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5. Patience. Patience is an amazing virtue. I see you parents that are patient with your children, and I am so grateful for that. Isn’t it incredible that the seed of patience can be planted in the little ones, and they too can display incredible patience? God, I don’t have words to describe how patient You have been with me. Thank you for teaching me to have faith in You and to feel peace and joy in the waiting. I trust You, Lord of all Creation.  

Brothers and sisters, thank you for showing patience to me, to one-another, to your families, and to our God. I encourage you to be confident in your waiting. There is beautiful, heavenly work to be done while we wait for the return of Messiah. Let us keep our gaze on Him, be who He says we are, and do what matters to Him. As you spend time in the Word, please share your findings with others. Thank You, God, for this church family. You are doing an amazing work through them. May your peace dwell in their hearts always and forever, Amen.