Perseverance, Persistence, the Prize!

The Christian life was never promised as an easy way to live, instead, Paul constantly reminds us that we must have a purpose and a plan because times will be difficult and Satan will attack. But we never persevere without the promise of a prize - a promise God will keep.

In 2 Timothy 2:1-13, especially this verse: "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets involved in civilian affairs - he wants to please his commanding officer. Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops."

As Timothy preached and taught, he would face suffering, but he should be able to endure. Paul used a comparison with soldiers, athletes, and farmers who must discipline themselves and be willing to sacrifice to achieve the results they want.

Like SOLDIERS: we have to give up worldly security and endure rigorous discipline.
Like ATHLETES: we must train hard and follow the rules.
Like FARMERS: we must work extremely hard and be patient.

But we keep going despite suffering because of the thought of victory, the vision of winning, and the hope of harvest. We will see that our suffering is worthwhile when we achieve our goal of glorifying God, winning people to God, and one day living eternally with him.

Let's pray, I stand in awe of You, God, for all of Your children at Fairfax. I pray that each of Your children will take the time to repent, give up the worldly security they may have, once again, become entangled with, train hard by praying, reading and studying in their home, renew their purposes in life (living up to God's five purposes!) and being patient as they "continue to work out their salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). Those who do not pray, study and worship You are deprived of Your power and love. Their shield is gone. Their faith is weak. They are standing on "sinking sand" rather than on the Solid, Rock of Jesus Christ. Again, I pray that they not be "sidetracked" but carefully put their attention and devotion on Christ and His Word. Eventually, those who faithfully endure with the Solid, Rock of Christ, will receive the victor's crown in Heaven! And that's His promise to each of the faithful! In Jesus' Name, Amen!