In life, you are sure to face struggles. Everyone encounters difficulties that can be discouraging, but Christians sometimes seem to be special targets of Satan because of our relationship with God. It’s safe to say that Satan wants you to be discouraged—after all, misery loves company.
Faith in the Fire: The Context of Hebrews
The book of Hebrews was written to people who were facing very discouraging times. On an earthly level, many had already endured suffering—some were imprisoned, others had their property wrongfully seized, and some were even forced to fight lions, bears, elephants, or tigers in amphitheaters before huge crowds as public entertainment. These weren’t punishments for wrongdoing; they suffered simply because they were the light of the world and stood out. As the Japanese proverb says, “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.” Christians tend to stick out in a world dominated by darkness.
Encouragement from a Shared Struggle
While I may never face the extreme trials those early Christians endured, I will still face struggles. The book of Hebrews offers many encouragements to help believers stay anchored in salvation. Here, I want to focus on just one key reminder: you are not alone.
Hopefully, this truth will not only help you endure whatever hardship you’re facing but also encourage you to hold your faith more firmly—and even embolden you to share it with others.
We’ve already seen that everyone faces difficulty and discouragement; the Bible and life around you both confirm that. Maybe that’s a comfort—or maybe it’s not. After all, the world may suffer and still mock you for your suffering.
God’s People Are With You
But there’s another way you’re not alone—one that may not seem encouraging at first. Hebrews was written to Christians, and within the text, we read that there were other believers who weren’t in prison or being mistreated—yet they hadn’t forgotten those who were (Hebrews 13:3). In Hebrews 10:32–35, we also see that some had already endured persecution and managed to do so with joy. Moreover, they had shown sympathy and compassion to others who were suffering.
These verses remind me that one of God’s tools to defeat discouragement is His people—my brothers and sisters in Christ. I am not alone. And this also reminds me that I need to be that same support for others, so they are not alone either. As Paul said in Galatians, we are to bear one another’s burdens and thereby fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
Examples of Enduring Faith
But the encouragement doesn’t stop there. The Hebrew writer also draws attention to what is often called the “Hall of fame of Faith” in chapter 11. It opens by describing the kind of strong, substantive faith that the rest of the chapter exemplifies—a faith that proves itself in how we live (v. 1). These men and women didn’t just believe God existed; they trusted that He rewards those who diligently seek Him (v. 6).
Some, like Noah, Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac, lived long lives—but even they faced trials. Others, like Abel, Job, or Jeremiah, suffered greatly or died young (vv. 4, 36–38). And yet, their faith endured.
That’s why the writer opens chapter 12 by saying:
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…” (Hebrews 12:1)
These scriptures were meant to remind the Hebrew Christians that they could overcome—regardless of what tried to hold them back. We have the same encouragement. Even when we feel isolated, or when our fellow Christians seem absent or disappointing (cf. 1 Kings 19:10, 18), we can find strength in the examples preserved in God’s Word.
Our Greatest Encouragement: Jesus
But there’s one more reason we are not alone—and it’s the most important.
In Hebrews 12:2, the writer urges us to keep:
“fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jesus is the ultimate example of faith. In humble obedience, He took on the lowly form of a man, lived a sinless life, and died on the cross in our place (cf. Philippians 2:8). And even though He is perfect, He is not distant. He is compassionate—He sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). Most importantly, no matter what our circumstances are, if we truly love Him with all our heart, He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
Whatever Happens…Don’t Give Up!
Maybe, like the Hebrew Christians, you’re facing struggles because of your faith. Please—don’t give up (Hebrews 12:3)!
Or maybe you’ve neglected the salvation God offers (Hebrews 2:3). Praise God for His patience! If you’re reading this, there’s still time to return to Him and His Word.
If you’ll let us, we’d love to help.
