Inspirational Sunday

"You have endured and gone through hard times because of me and you have not given up...To everyone who wins the victory, I will give some of the hidden food. I will also give each one a white stone with a new name written on it. No one will know that name except the one who is given the stone."

Revelation 2: 3, 17

Rae's Thought: These two verses hold so much meaning, that I'm going to split this inspiration into two weeks. Today, I'm concentrating on the bold part.

• You have endured and gone through hard times because of me and you have not given up. Life is hard. God doesn't promise us that life gets easier once we become believers. Sometimes, it may even be harder. I mean, as if having to cope with worldly battles isn't enough, we also have spiritual battles. We have an enemy who doesn't want to see us succeed in Christ. He's going to do whatever he can to keep us from reaching where God wants us to be. Make no mistake...you will go through hard times. It's a given. God sees you struggling. He knows you're going through hard times. He also sees whether you're enduring or not. Keep up the race and you will be blessed.



• To everyone who wins the victory. Verse 17 isn't talking to just anyone. It's written solely for those who win the victory. Now, remember, because Jesus died on the cross, we're already victorious. So, who then, is this verse talking about? Those who endure to the end (Matthew 24:13); those who persevere through life (James 5:11); those who keep running the race, even when it gets difficult (2 Timothy 4:7)...these are the ones this verse is talking to. I don't know about you, but this is one club I'd want to be a part of.



• I will give some of the hidden food. What is the "hidden food" this verse speaks of? Other versions call it "manna", which is said to be a cake or bread-like substance. When I read this, I'm reminded of the fact that Jesus is the Bread of Life. Those who win the victory will be able to have Jesus for an eternity. We get to hold Him and bow at His feet when god calls us home. It's hidden because only those who know of Jesus and believe will be able to see Him face to face. His glory is hidden from unbelievers.