We all know the story of the tortoise and the hare. The hare has great velocity. The tortoise is slow. While the hare rested, the tortoise never
stopped. Sometimes we give up too soon,
or too easily. It is a tragedy to give
up, only to discover we were inches within our goal. The tortoise’s perseverance is responsible
for his victory over the speedy hare.
Are You a Tortoise or
a Hare?
There are many Christians who start with lots of velocity,
but burn out. Then there are those that
endure with a slow, steady pace, never resting in their walk with Christ.
We should all strive to be like the tortoise. All Christians should agree that those who
are ultimately saved are those who persevere and continue to believe and follow
God’s Word and Will. Perseverance
requires patience, hard work, trust in God, dependence on other Christians,
effort and sacrifice.
“But you must continue to believe
this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you
received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over
the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.”
(Colossians 1:23 NLT)
“And everyone will hate you because
you are my followers. But the one who
endures to the end will be saved.” (Mark 13:13 NLT)
“For if we are faithful to the end,
trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all
that belongs to Christ.” (Hebrews 3:14 NLT)
“So encourage each other and build
each other up, just as you are already doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT)
Be Doers, Not Just
Hearers
We must be “doers of the word and not hearers only”. Christians who persevere will be blessed in
the very act of perseverance.
“22 But don’t just listen to God’s
word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23
For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face
in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like.”
(James 1:22-24 NLT)
A Fruitful Life
Requires Diligence
There are things that can only be learned from hard work and
living. God loves us to make sure those
opportunities come our way. We are
always working and striving to walk a better walk with Christ. Our walk with Christ will always require
perseverance. It’s part of the process
of becoming more like Him.
“And the seeds that fell on the
good soil represent honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to
it, and patiently produce a huge harvest.” (Luke 8:15 NLT)
Persevere Under
Trials
Those who persevere under trials will be blessed. Temptations and trials work patience. These trials will strengthen us. Tribulation produces perseverance. With the strength found in the study of God’s
Word, we can face these trials in life.
They will make us stronger.
“God blesses those who patiently
endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life
that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 NLT)
“So, my dear brothers and sisters,
be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you
know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.” (1 Corinthians 15:58
NLT)
Run With Endurance
Fix your eyes on Jesus who endured such opposition from
sinful men. By looking to Him and
following His example, we can avoid becoming weary and losing heart when
struggles come our way.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded
by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every
weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And
let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1 NLT)
Mature Growth
Perseverance is necessary for mature growth.
“And endurance develops strength of
character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.” (Romans
5:4 NLT)
“So let it grow, for when your
endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing
nothing.” (James 1:4 NLT)
Eternal Life
Perseverance is necessary for eternal life. Without perseverance, no one can fulfill God’s
will in his life.
“He will give eternal life to those
who keep on doing good, seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that
God offers.” (Romans 2:7 NLT)
“Patient endurance is what you need
now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that
he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:36 NLT)
How Do You Persist?
Keep on, keeping on, in your walk with Christ despite any
human failings, falls and stumbling blocks along the way. It takes faith.
“2 Dear brothers and sisters, when
troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you
know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”
(James 1:2-3 NLT)
Nothing should influence us to move away from our faith in
the Lord. We should cling and hold fast
to God every moment of every day. We
have to strive to follow Him in all we do.
Keep your slow and steady pace, like the tortoise, and reach
that goal of eternal life that is waiting for you!
“Heavenly Father, help
us all to stand firm in our faith, whether times are good, bad, easy or difficult. Light a burning fire of determination within
our spirits to desire to follow You and You alone. Guide us to walk closely to You in every
moment of every day. Keep our hearts and
minds fixated on You in all we do. In
Jesus’ name, Amen.”
No comments:
Post a Comment