SUFFERING IN HOPE
N . T . Wright
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But remember the earlier times ! When you were first enlightened , you went through great struggles and suffering .
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Sometimes you were exposed to public reproach and physical abuse . Sometimes you stood alongside people who were being treated in that way . 34 You even shared the sufferings of those who were imprisoned . When people looted your property , you actually welcomed it joyfully , because you knew that you had a better possession , a lasting one . 35 So don ’ t throw away your confidence . It carries a great reward . 36 What you need is patience , you see ; then , when you ’ ve done what God wants , you will receive the promise . 37 For in just a little while from now , the Coming One will come , and won ’ t delay ; 38 but my righteous one will live by faith ; and if he hesitates , my soul will not delight in him . 39 We are not among the hesitators , who are destroyed ! We are people of faith , and our lives will be kept safe . HEBREWS 10.32 – 39
The prophet saw his world crumbling all around him .
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