Press On
A simple story is told of a man who lived in a small cabin where God gave him one clear task: push against the large rock outside his door. Day after day, from sunrise to sunset, the man pressed with all his strength. The rock never moved.
Over time, he grew discouraged and began to pray about his frustration. God’s answer was gentle but clear: I asked you to push the rock, not move it. The strength you gain by pushing is preparing you for your next task.
The lesson is simple: faithfulness means pressing on, even when you cannot see the results. This is the same kind of steadfast perseverance Hebrews 6 calls us to—continually moving forward in faith, not growing careless or drifting away.
Scripture Overview
Hebrews 6:1-8 offers one of the most serious warnings in the New Testament. The writer urges believers to grow in maturity and warns of the danger of turning away after deeply experiencing God’s truth.
One interpretation sees this as referring to unbelievers who have been enlightened, tasted the gospel’s goodness, and even been part of its work, yet never truly surrendered to Christ. Having rejected what they fully understood, they place themselves beyond repentance.
The other interpretation sees it as a hypothetical statement: If a true believer could fall away (which Scripture elsewhere denies), it would mean Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice was insufficient. This shows the impossibility of the premise, since salvation is secure in Him.
Both interpretations agree that salvation in Christ is secure, yet even though we are secure, we are told to press on. Security should never lead to spiritual carelessness. Although “once saved, always saved” is a solid biblical teaching, “once saved, always persevering” better represents the steps we should be taking daily to “work out our faith with fear and trembling.” (Phil 2:12)
Things to Ponder
What does it mean to persevere in faith even when you see no results?
How might overconfidence in your standing with God make you less alert to His guidance?
What “thorns” or distractions could keep you from bearing fruit for Christ?
Who has shown you an example of steady faithfulness in following Jesus?
How can your family help each other stay close to the Lord each day?
Application Challenge
This week, watch for the moments when you are tempted to coast in your faith. That might be skipping prayer, ignoring Scripture, or putting off an act of obedience. Ask, What would perseverance look like here?
God may be using these small, hidden moments to strengthen your walk with Him. Every simple choice to trust and follow Jesus is the fruit of a lasting faith.
Prayer Prompt
Lord, thank You for holding us secure in Your grace. Protect us from becoming careless in our walk with You. Help us to persevere in the small and large moments. May our lives bear good fruit that shows our love for You. Keep our hearts tender and our steps close to Your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.