Many years ago when I was growing up, my mother took us to the Salvation Army church services every Sunday.

I have vivid memories of how the Army did church. Often, the commanding officers would call on people to share their testimony of God’s grace in their lives over the past week.

Of the 300 plus member congregation, there were usually several who would testify of a Heavenly blessing or corrective action in their lives during the week.

I enjoyed listening to the stories they told. Even as an 8 year old, I eagerly anticipated this time of fellowship when I could hear about the ways God moved in the lives of each speaker.

The message of Hebrews is addressed to those who had been through great sorrow, and the writer seeks to comfort and encourage them.

One of the ways the author encourages them is to remind them of the fellowship they have with believers from past generations, those who suffered for their faith.

In WW II psychologists found that enlisted men fared better than commissioned officers, even though they were placed in the same hospitals with similar medical conditions. Doctors couldn't understand why one group was doing better than the other.

Then someone observed the cheerful times of fellowship that transpired in the general wards (where the enlisted men were placed), compared to the isolated, private rooms where there was no opportunity for fellowship (where the C.O.’s were placed).

This is an important reason why fellowship with other Christians is so helpful, and why the Lord calls us out of the world every week for a couple of hours.

In His house we recalibrate our navigation instruments. We receive encouragement through the preaching, the reading of Scripture, the prayers, and the fellowship with other believers.

If you're discouraged today, look for someone who has experienced the same challenges you're facing. Find out how they persisted when times were difficult.

Can they offer you some truth from Scripture, a story from the Bible, or some other word of comfort that strengthened and gave them courage to carry on when they thought of quitting?

Read and re-read Chapter 11 of Hebrews, and ponder the messages there. You'll be inspired to carry on in the Lord’s strength.

We find grace to persevere when we listen to (and have fellowship with) other believers who've had similar challenges to us. May your listening to others inspire you to do great things for the Lord.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1 ESV).