WEDNESDAY April 29, 2026
The Faith of the Destitute
They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.
Hebrews 11:38
Many Christians in the early church were persecuted and went into hiding. Jews converting to Christianity were usually disowned by their families and cast out of their homes. Imagine, they became wanderers and without means to earn a living, completely destitute. People treated them cruelly––physically afflicting and tormenting them. Many Christians died in the faith––of whom the world was not worthy. What a great statement! God counted them worthy.
Listen, Christians should not expect to live a trouble-free life. The early Church paid a high price for following the Lord––and so will we. Do not expect life to be perfect. It is guaranteed that we shall suffer: Indeed, all who delight in pursuing righteousness and are determined to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be hunted and persecuted [because of their faith] (2 Timothy 3:12 AMP).
Real Christians often go without the comforts of this life. In church history, most Christians were persecuted. They did not live in nice houses or have large amounts of money. They were impoverished and lived in caves. Nevertheless, they kept the faith. In the sight of God, their lives had tremendous value. They were hated and rejected by the world, but greatly loved by God.
We are to be inspired by all the heroes of faith recorded in the Bible. They were people just like you and me. God used them, and He desires to use us today. Whatever you are suffering because of your faith, God wants you to trust and believe in Him. It will all work out for your good in the end.
Faith is to believe what you do not see. The glorious reward of this faith is to see what you believed in–eternal purification.
~Saint Augustine~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
