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So what makes us think we can escape if we ignore this great salvation that was first announced by the Lord Jesus himself and then delivered to us by those who heard him speak? And God confirmed the message by giving signs and wonders and various miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit whenever he chose.

Hebrews 2:3–4, NLT

One of the most mind-boggling things that I have witnessed in life is people who at one point seemingly are strong in the Christian faith and then walk away. It can only point to a lack of maturity in faith. A neglect of looking to Christ and His Word to understand the gift of salvation given to us through His sacrifice. There is a tendency of many to place the focus of salvation on being good and doing good work as if this is what gains one entrance into the kingdom. It is true that when a person walks in faith, good works will come from faith, but this is a response, not a means. If we base all of our hope and promise in believing that we have earned something in our journey with Christ, we set ourselves up for failure because suffering will come. Good and faithful Christians suffer. This is a reality. It is how we are lifted up in our suffering where our witness shines through and the knowledge of our guaranteed salvation as our Lord gives us all gifts to use for His glory that remind us of His salvation promise. In the giftings we receive, we can find confidence that our Lord is with us, and He is where we find our peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.