Finding Strength in Our Stories of Faith
When life gets tough, sometimes the best thing we can do is look back. That’s one of the messages in Hebrews 10:32–39, where the Bible invites us to “remember the former days.” But what does that really mean, and how can it help us today? Let’s break down what this phrase is about, why it matters, and how it relates to your everyday life—no fancy terms, just straight talk.
What’s Going On in Hebrews 10:32–39?
This part of the Bible was written to early Christians who were going through a rough time. Some had been made fun of, some had lost their homes, and all had suffered in one way or another just for believing in Jesus. The writer of Hebrews wanted to encourage them not to give up, but to keep going.
“Remember the former days,” he says. In other words: remember when you first believed, when things were hard but you kept the faith anyway.
Why Should We Remember the Past?
It’s not about living in the past, but learning from it. When you look back, you can see how far you’ve come. You can remember tough times you made it through, the ways you grew stronger, and the help you got from others and from God.
Think of it this way:
· You survived that challenge at work when you thought you couldn’t.
· Your family stuck together through a hard season.
· Maybe you faced loss or disappointment, but you found hope and kept going.
Remembering these moments isn’t about nostalgia—it’s about recognizing your grit and the ways faith helped you. It’s a reminder that, even if things are tough now, you’ve faced challenges before and come out the other side.
What Did Early Christians Go Through?
The first Christians had it rough. They were often treated badly, insulted, or even had their possessions taken. People didn’t understand why they believed in Jesus, and they paid a price for it.
But instead of hiding or giving up, they supported each other. If one was thrown in jail, others visited them. If someone lost their home, others helped. Their faith wasn’t just about themselves; it was about standing together and caring for the whole community.
The Christian Spirit: More Than Just Words
Hebrews says that the Christian spirit isn’t selfish. It’s about pitying, helping, and sticking up for others. That kind of support is what kept them going.
If you’ve ever seen someone step up for a friend, or a neighbor help out in a crisis, you’ve seen this spirit in action. It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and offering a hand, even when it’s risky or costs you something.
Why Does This Matter for Us?
Most of us aren’t facing the same kind of persecution the early Christians did. But we do face our own battles—at work, with family, in our health, or just in our minds.
Remembering the “former days”—the times you kept going when life was tough—can give you the strength to deal with today’s struggles. It’s proof that you’re tougher than you think, and that faith can carry you through.
The Promise: Lasting Happiness
Hebrews reminds us that the good things in this world don’t last forever. Money, status, even health can be taken away. But the deeper happiness promised to believers—being with God, being truly whole—is something that never fades. The hope of heaven is what makes all the troubles worth it.
Living By Faith, Not Sight
Most of the rewards of faith aren’t seen right away. Sometimes you have to wait. That’s hard. It means being patient, trusting that God will make things right even when you don’t see the results yet.
The passage says, “It is a trial of the patience of Christians, to be content to live after their work is done, and to stay for their reward till God’s time to give it is come.” In simple terms: sometimes, you’re called to finish your work and then wait. It’s not easy, but God promises that the reward will come.
Your Present Conflict
Life’s tough spots can feel overwhelming and never-ending. But Hebrews says that these battles don’t last forever. The pain, the confusion, the stress—they’re real, but they’ll pass. God sees our struggles and promises an end, a crown of life on the other side.
God Looks for Perseverance
It’s easy to go through the motions: show up at church, say the right things, act like you have it all together. But God isn’t impressed by empty gestures or half-hearted faith. What matters is sticking with it—holding on, even when you want to let go.
If you’ve been faithful in tough times before, you have every reason to hope you’ll get help to stay faithful now. Don’t lose heart: the same grace that carried you yesterday will carry you today.
The Power of Remembering
So, what does it mean, practically, to “remember the former days”?
· Recall the first time faith really meant something to you. What did you feel? What did you risk?
· Think about a time you went through a hardship because of your beliefs—maybe you lost a friendship, missed an opportunity, or faced criticism.
· Remember the strength and joy you found, even while suffering. That wasn’t just luck—that was faith at work.
Remembrance isn’t for feeling sorry for yourself. It’s for stirring up the courage you already have, and for reminding yourself that you’re not alone.
How to Use This Today
· Encourage Yourself: When you feel discouraged, remember past victories. Let them push you forward.
· Stick With Community: Support others when they’re struggling. Faith grows when it’s shared.
· Keep Your Eyes on the Promise: Don’t get stuck on what you’ve lost. The best is yet to come, even if it’s not here yet.
· Trust the Process: Sometimes, you have to wait for your reward. Be patient; God’s timing is perfect.
In Everyday Language: Why “Remember the Former Days” Is Good Advice
All of us face hard times. All of us know what it’s like to doubt, to want to quit, to wonder if it’s worth it. But when you remember where you started and what you’ve made it through, you’ll realize you’re stronger than you thought.
This isn’t just religious advice—it’s practical wisdom for life. When you remember your story, you gain perspective. You understand that pain and loss are part of the journey, but so are joy and hope.
Living By Faith: What It Looks Like
Living by faith means you don’t give up when life gets hard. You keep loving, keep helping, keep believing. You trust that the good God promises will come, even if it’s not here yet.
And dying in faith? That means, when the time comes, you leave this world confident that your soul is safe forever—because you trusted the One who promised.
Conclusion: Your Story Matters
“Remember the former days” is an invitation to look back, not to stay stuck in the past, but to take strength for today and hope for tomorrow. The early Christians faced down darkness with courage and love. You can do the same.
If you’re struggling, take a moment to remember:
· You’ve faced tough times before and made it through.
· Your faith is more than tradition—it’s a source of real strength.
· Every trial has helped shape your courage and compassion.
Stand firm. Encourage others. Keep believing. The reward is coming—and it’s worth the wait.
Blessings,
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 