Stress Test Devotional May 4
May 04, 2024
HEBREWS 12:1a | 1aTherefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses.
HEBREWS 11:35-38 | 35 Women received their dead by
resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection. 36 Others suffered mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned to death, they were sawn in two, they were killed by the sword; they went about in skins of sheep and goats, destitute, persecuted, tormented— 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
The focus on the famous followers, to whom we are connected, can make us forget all the unrecorded saints in their millions and billions who were faithful in passing on their beliefs and demonstrating the reality of God’s love and truth. Think of all the non-famous people who have taught and encouraged you! They too, become part of the crowd which cheers us on and celebrates our kingdom advances.
For instance, Hebrews author mentions, without naming, some beyond his list who suffered for the faith. They were tortured, ill-treated, mocked, scourged, and killed. Even now in many parts of the globe, in dozens of countries, our brothers and sisters suffer for their faith.
Think of a specific person who has helped your faith and imagine them cheering for you.
