Call to Persevere
“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Matthew 24:13
During the worldwide pandemic and the world turning against Christians, the Lord has called us to persevere. The future for non-Christians is unsure and fearful and many people are suffering financially and emotionally. According to the Center for Disease Control, “symptoms of anxiety disorder and depressive disorder increased considerably in the United States during April–June of 2020, compared with the same period in 2019.” (CDC, 24 Nov 20)
Christians are called to persevere because we are comforted and guided by our Lord and our soul is protected for eternity. We know the future from the Bible because the Book of Revelation tells of end times. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7) The closer we are to the Lord, the more love, peace, and joy we will have.
Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, (Colossians 1:11) Pray and ask the Lord for his power to persevere with patience. If we depend on him with faith, the Lord will guide us through anything with his love, power, and strength. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13) Only Christ can give us perseverance with peace because he feeds his love and peace into the Spirit which feeds our soul.
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28) If a time occurs where our physical life is threatened, as many Christians are experiencing today, the Lord will give us the strength just as the Father gave Jesus the strength to endure the cross. When our physical life ends, our soul separates from our body and we are still alive and with Christ. We are spiritual living in physical shell, and we live forever.
Today, know the Lord has called you to persevere, know Christ is with you, and know He will give you his divine strength. We can always depend on the Lord to get us through anything this life puts in our path because all things are possible for God. Always remember — Heaven is home.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for always being with me and for giving me your love, power, and strength to persevere. Guide me in the Spirit to keep my mind on ministering to others and serving Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.