Hebrews 10:32-39
Pressure builds character, but it also reveals character. Pressure brings out both the best and the worst in humanity. Under pressure, some stand strong and stick to their convictions while others turn and run betraying family and friends. In the midst of persecution, we find the greatest heroes and the worst villains. This is true of both the non-religious and the religious alike. Being religious does not guarantee that pressure will bring out the best in us. Under pressure, religious people can fail the test just as the nonreligious can. A relationship with Christ changes everything. When Christ is our savior, it is possible to be righteous no matter how great the pressure. Our ability to maintain righteousness as Christians is not because Christianity is some form of magic. It is much simpler and clearer than that. A Christian is able to remain faithful because they do not face persecution along. Christ stands with them, and the body of Christian believers supports them no matter how great the suffering. In times of pressure and hardship Christians lean and depend upon Jesus. The world can take our property; it can even take our life. However, when Jesus is with us, the world can never take our hope or our joy. The Hebrew Christians knew this to be true because they had lived it. They had faith in Jesus, and Jesus had proved himself faithful. He never let them down.

In the hard times, we spend time with Jesus to survive. The easy times reveal our true faith. In the easy days, we have more of everything. We have more time, money, and freedom. We also have more opportunity to neglect our relationship with Christ. It is natural to cling to Christ when we are suffering or are afraid. When we love the lord, it is even more natural to walk with Him in the good times. Christians do not shrink back. Through it all, both good and bad, Christians want to be near their savior.