September 21, 2022
Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. (Revelation 3:10-11) ESV
Patience is more than endurance; God calls us to persevere with patience. It is the kind of endurance that rests in the knowledge that we know God is in control of our life. Oswald Chambers said in his book My Utmost Highest that the root of faith is the knowledge of a Person (God). That said, the better we know Jesus, the closer we are to Him, and the easier it will be for us to endure patiently.
The Lord is telling us all to hold fast because we are coming to the climax of the Age. We cannot lose our faith; if we lose our faith, we have lost everything. It is possible we could lose our sanity. I say this because the devil is increasing the pressure to such an extent that it would be easy to start losing heart. If we are not grounded in our faith, we are in danger of becoming fearful and anxious; it is then that the devil steps in.
The Lord encourages us to persevere. He promises that if we persevere, He will keep us from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. What do we have to look forward to at the journey’s end? Revelation 2:10 (ESV) tells us, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.”
Friends, Heaven is our destination; there we will reign with Jesus – this is the ultimate goal of persevering faith. Would you pray with me?
Dear Heavenly Father, I worship You. Thank You for Your Words of exhortation and encouragement to me. Please give me grace, I Pray. Please help me to persevere. My heart desires to know Jesus more and more so that my faith will grow stronger each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen
Encouraging Words from James 1:2-8 (NKJV): My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
God Bless you, and have a Blessed Day, Friends <><
Thoughts by Randall Stapleton is a Daily Devotion brought to you by The Bridge - Learn more at https://wearethebridge.org
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