But others were tortured, refusing to turn from God in order to be set free. They placed their hope in a better life after the resurrection. Some were jeered at, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in prisons. Some died by stoning, some were sawed in half, and others were killed with the sword. Some went about wearing skins of sheep and goats, destitute and oppressed and mistreated.
Hebrews 11:35-37
Set Your Sights
Even when people follow God and have hope, sometimes they still meet their defeat. Look at the disciples. Most of them met a martyr’s death. They served God throughout their lives, even to the end. You may read these verses and think, “Is it worth it if they were just tortured and killed?” To them it was worth it because they were looking for the eternal, not the temporary. Nothing else mattered.
When the reward is eternity, this temporary life on earth has very little value. When you refocus, your passion will be for the eternal. You will long for things other than this world. Take some time to really refocus and set your sights on heaven instead of this life.
A Prayer to Remember
Dear Lord,
Help me set my sights on heaven and the eternal, so the things of life do not become overwhelming. Amen.