Endure by Following Christ
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”
Matthew 16:24
The more we enjoy a fulfilling life through the Spirit, the easier it is to endure. When we live the life the Lord has planned for us, the more satisfying our life will be. But there are times while ministering to the world that bring sadness for lost souls and difficulty as Satan turns the world against Christians.
Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30) Jesus is telling us that his burden is light and we will find rest for our souls. This is a promise from God that will bring us closer to him, filling us with his love which drives out fear. There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. (1 John 4:18). God is love and his perfect love fills our heart which naturally drives fear away. When the Lord takes away fear from Satan, the easier it is for us to have rest for our souls.
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) Our soul is our personality, emotions, will, and thoughts, and our flesh is a suit we wear while on earth which will be replaced by a young perfect body for eternity. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me? (Psalm 118:6) If the Lord is with us, we can endure anything through the power of his love and strength — including victory over death. When we walk with Christ, we know Heaven is our home and we overcome the world. Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4)
Today, walk with endurance from the Lord while being a light in this world. Live by faith and overcome the world with a heart of joy and contentment, reflecting the Lord’s love to everyone. Show the world that Christians don’t live in fear and worry, but with a heart filled with love and joy.
Prayer: Lord thank you for giving rest to my soul and the endurance to serve you to my last breath. Only through your love and power can I endure this world with peace and joy, thank you! In Jesus’ name Amen