I wish to encourage you to persevere in the faith of Jesus Christ. We live in a world pervaded by floating morals. We change whatever, whenever, and as often as deemed necessary to maximise pleasure. If this ever-floating attitude is allowed to exist in our lives, or in the church, the very essence of permanency of faith in Christ is lost. The best we can hope for is a floating, vague alignment with Jesus, which obviously, will come to an end when we think there is a better offer from elsewhere promising greater pleasure.
God’s Word speaks often of “steadfastness”, that growing quality of hanging in there, of stickability. Stickability best expresses genuine faith in Christ because it reflects God’s stickability in maintaining our secure position in Christ. It’s the Lord who is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one (2 Thessalonians 3:3), and even on those occasions when we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself (2 Timothy 2:13).
As the apostle Paul prayed for the Thessalonians, seeking that the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ (2 Thessalonians 3:5), we acknowledge our dependence upon the Lord to generate within us that determination to persevere. James, the brother of Jesus said, Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing (James 1:2-4). Here’s the point beloved, if we run away, we not only call into question the legitimacy of our salvation in the first place, but we rob ourselves of the opportunity to mature and attain greater Christ likeness. By running, hiding, or isolating ourselves from the Body of Christ, we steal away the potential for realising how we lack nothing in Christ, regardless of our circumstances. But worst of all, we rob God of His glory in the midst of our trial. And glory is what happens when He makes us complete through perseverance.
Even during the most difficult times, God’s sovereignty is dominant because after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you (1 Peter 5:10). Our Lord’s persevering grace predetermines that no temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it (1 Corinthians 10:13). It is the Holy Spirit’s securing, liberating, and persevering ministry within us, as we believers …beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:17-18).
Today, let’s yield to the Lordship of Christ, through the working of His Spirit, to make us persevere. Persevere for God’s glory, persevere for your sanctification toward Christ likeness and maturity, and persevere to encourage and embolden other believers in Christ. Persevere to challenge the unsaved in their lack of faith and emptiness of life. Persevere to leave a legacy for your children and grandchildren. Persevere for the sack of building strong marriages and resilient families that stick together in unity. Persevere as an act of praise to our risen Saviour, for perseverance in Christ is RIGHT!
Remember, perseverance:
- Glorifies God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit
- Fuels assurance of salvation and builds the realisation of security in Christ
- Speaks a powerful testimony to the unbelieving people in your life of the authenticity of the living Christ
- Encourages fellow believers, particularly those going through difficulties
- Is a testimony to all angelic beings of the powerful working of the risen Lord Jesus Christ within you