Perseverance! (Part 5 of 5)

Persevering! How do we do it? What can we focus on to maintain the fortitude necessary to keep on keeping on in the midst of trials and conflict in this corrupt world? We have considered the following keys:

#1 -- Remember we are not alone!
#2 -- Remember our eternal Father is in it for the long haul!
#3 -- Develop a deep commitment to our convictions!
And now...

#4 -- NEVER FORGET THE FINAL OUTCOME OF THE BATTLE IS VICTORY IN CHRIST!

It is easy to get discouraged when we focus on all the “stuff” going on in this world. There are so many things which may make us wonder why others don’t see the folly of their ways. How can we stand, and how is it all going to work out, when so many want to live contrary to God’s Way? Are we defeated? Have we reached a point where we feel we might as well give in to the ways of the world? Is it a “no win” situation we are now in?

Well, I cheated. I turned to the end of the book and you know what I found out? We win!

It was a young shepherd boy who said so well what remains true today:
“...THE BATTLE IS THE LORD’S” ( I Samuel 17:47 NIV).

Oh, there may be some skirmishes lost, but ultimately truth and all on the side of truth will prevail. So if you ever feel you have fought and found yourself bailing out, return to the Commander and ask Him to lift you up again. And along with Paul, may we declare...
“...I am not ashamed, because I KNOW whom I have believed, and AM CONVINCED that HE IS ABLE to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.” ( 2 Timothy 1:12 NIV)

Jesus warned, but promised:
“(12) Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, (13) but he who stands firm to the end WILL BE SAVED.” (Matthew
24:12-13 NIV)

Let us persevere, knowing our Lord is leading us onto ultimate victory!
We don’t know when the end will come, but many are looking to the end with great fear! In Christ we should look to the end with great anticipation because the victory is ours in the Lord. The battle is the Lord’s and He will bring the victory!

Have a great day SHARING THE VICTORY in Christ!
Carl

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