“But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings: partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated; for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven” (Hebrews 10:32-34).
Many of us have enjoyed the experience of reliving the memory of a great victory, a successful endeavor, or an extraordinary life event. We often remember where were were, who accompanied us, and our emotional response to those occasions with great fondness.
However, there are other life events that may not evoke the same kind of positive response. When faced with such memories, we can find a practical (and beneficial) application in the message of Hebrews 10:32-34. You see, this passage tells us that we can recall the negative experiences of our past and learn from them in a way that benefits us today. For instance, we might prayerfully ask the following questions when faced with the memory of a negative incident…
- What did my response to that event tell me about myself? Did I respond appropriately or inappropriately?
- If I had to go back and relive that experience, what would I have done differently?
- Did I replicate the negative behavior pattern of a youthful authority figure during that incident?
- Will I press on and learn from that experience or allow it to negatively impact my future?
Even if some our past experiences have nothing positive to teach, we can always learn what not to do in the future. In a sense, these “debriefing questions” are similar to what the author of Hebrews presented to the members of his audience in the passage quoted above. While our challenges may not involve similar adversities, they offer a corresponding opportunity to grow in Christ.
For example, God may allow difficulties to enter our lives to strengthen us (2 Corinthians 12:10) or increase our trust in Him (Psalm 50:14-15). He might use such experiences to help us develop patience (Romans 5:3-5) and endurance (as we’ll see in the following verses of Hebrews chapter ten). Finally, God may allow trials to enter our lives to help others who will experience similar things (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).
Thus, as we are reminded in the New Testament epistle of James…
“Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready for anything” (James 1:2-4 NLT).