Being a follower of Christ doesn’t mean we are immune from the challenges and difficulties of this life. Remember, Jesus Himself suffered! What we do receive from our faith is a new perspective in which to process our pain, the strength to endure whatever we are facing, and an undeniable hope for the future.
Sadly, everyone faces difficulties in life. What will we do to get through? Give up? Or persevere? We must keep moving ahead! This is God’s will for us in Jesus, and God has the final word. Webster’s Dictionary defines perseverance as the “continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.” As believers, we can understand perseverance as rooting ourselves in the truth of who God is and continuing forward.
To find the strength to persevere, all we have to do is continue to walk the path God has laid before us. When we cling to Him and His strength, He will lend us His power and walk by our side as we go through life. God always promises incredible, eternal rewards for those who continue to walk in the faith despite the challenges of the world. Galatians 6:9 says, “So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.”
One of those blessings is the development of our character, leading to immense hope in our eternal life to come. In light of this, we can welcome our struggles as opportunities to grow more Christ-like. Romans 5:3-4 says, “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”
God will help you to view the difficulties of this life in a different light. Remember that God is stronger than anything that will ever come against you. You can stand tall as His child and confidently repel the attacks of the enemy. When you do, you will come out on the other side as a stronger child of God! You will have persevered, developed a deepened spiritual character and experience joy because of the hope within you of an eternity spent with a loving God.
You can write the Pastor at pastorbilly@findtruelife.com.