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Perseverance

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Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12

The Bible has lot to say about persevering through the trials and tribulations of life. Christians go through difficulties just like other people in the world, but our difficulties can be used to show our faith to the Lord. We are saved by faith through grace and faith shows our love for the Lord. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith. (Ephesians 2:8)

Many Christians are suffering greatly in this world and some are sacrificing their life rather than denying their faith in Christ. These people are victorious in Christ and great is their reward. Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11-12) The only way we can please God is trust him to guide us through life, even to our death. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. (Hebrews 11:6)

How do we obtain the strength to persevere? We need to (1) Love God more than anything, (2) serve him by being a light in this world, (3) trust him fully, and (4) have a thankful heart.

 

  1. We Put God first, meaning we love him more than anyone or anything in life, including our own physical life. If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters–yes, even their own life–such a person cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26) The word hate is used only as a comparison for our love others compared to our love for God. When we love the Lord most, we have more love for our family and others. A heart filled with God’s love promotes mental and physical health.
  2. We are obedient to the Holy Spirit as he guides us to be a light in this world, bringing Christ to everyone we encounter. This becomes the main reason we are living and whatever we are doing, working, driving, shopping, or worshipping, we are conscious of showing Christ.
  3. We trust the Lord because he is Lord, and our faith never changes no matter what happens in life. We give the Lord control of our life and we become his servants as he guides us through the Holy Spirit. We live a God’[s servants, giving him control thereby freeing us from the stress and worry of being our own god.
  4. A thankful heart brings contentment into our lives. Thank God for his blessings that we easily take for granted, for being with us, and for the eternally life waiting for us. The more thankful we become, the more content we become.

If we live continually maturing in love, obedience, and faith; we will have the perseverance to the end. Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. (Matthew 24:12-13) The Lord protects our soul from the evil one, and we trust the Lord and serve him to our last breath. This is the strength the Lord gives us to persevere. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. (Isaiah 40:29-31)

Today, whatever challenges you have, use it to persevere and show the Lord your love for him by trusting him to guide you through the day Two comforting verses for perseverance are: And We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28) and For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. 1 John 5:4) Everything in our life, past, present, and future, God will use it for your good. The Lord through his guidance and the changing of our heart, gives us the wisdom and strength to overcome the world.

Prayer: Give me strength to persevere to my last breath serving you. Lord thank you for protecting my soul and for the eternal home prepared for me. Help me to live according to your will and to always have a thankful praising heart as I live for your glory. In Jesus name, Amen