It is increasingly difficult in our culture to make present sacrifices for future rewards. Almost everything in our society is about immediate gratification. Madison Avenue makes millions annually convincing us we’ve got to have their products now! This is why we struggle with debt, with weight, and with relationships. We want what we want, and we want it immediately. But so much of what really matters comes not from the microwave but from the crockpot. Most enduring qualities take time to develop. If we don’t understand that, we will be frustrated when things don’t go the way we want. The writer of Hebrews remindEd his readers that sacrifices and delayed gratification, forced or volunteered, are rewarded in heaven. We can have confidence in this promise; we can have hope in this promise. Endurance is what is needed most. If we look to God and His promise of reward, then enduring hardship is what we do…joyfully.
