Let Us Draw Near

I love a good story. The problem is that I am fainthearted and easily discouraged, so about half way through any tale, I have to resist the urge to stop reading. Every epic adventure is full of conflict and obstacles. I don’t like the dark and foreboding strands of the plot, but I know there is a happy ending coming.

One of my favorite stories as a child was Cinderella. The first part of her story made me want to yank out my pigtails and have a good cry. That mean stepmom and her bratty daughters kept that sweet girl trapped in a prison of fear and condemnation. Thankfully, the pure heart of the girl dressed in rags was rewarded in a spectacular ending. Good triumphed over evil once again.

Why do I doubt?

In my heart, I know how the story of life ends. God is just, and victory is certain. But some days, I feel a little like Cinderella trapped in a cage of unfavorable circumstances. The enemy of my soul wants to keep me clothed in rags of doubt and shame.

The writer of Hebrews understood that God’s people would face discouragement in the face of tribulation. He challenged them to not give way to fear, to never turn back, but to persevere in faith.

We must remember that our story is part of a God’s greater narrative of redemption. The hero is Christ, and He has conquered death itself to ensure a glorious conclusion.

Our story is not finished yet. The Author and Finisher of our Faith has more to say through our lives about His grace and goodness.

Rather than give way to fear, let’s garner up strength from Jesus to keep moving forward in faith. The theme of our lives should always be the pursuit of Christ. As Hebrews 10 challenges, “Let us draw near…”