PERSEVERANCE

14 MAY 2021

A steadfast and persevering walk with God guarantees our inheritance in Christ. It is difficult to attach an intelligible meaning to "perseverance" without the two words, patience and commitment. Patience is the ability to calmly endure problems or challenges while expecting from God. While commitment is being dedicated to God and mindful of that expectation or cause, as you wait for it. Both combinations are true definition of perseverance.

Reference: Hebrews 10:36 New International Version (NIV) "You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised."

The book of Hebrews' author speaks with encouraging tone. The message is clear: You can make it through times of challenges or through trial by choosing to persevere and keep a heavenly perspective. Don't ever entertain discouragement in your Christian walk. It is not allowed or permitted. Where there is unpleasant or difficult situation, we are told to persevere without giving way. Why? This is because our faith must be tested, and sometimes, by tough trials.

Whenever we are expected to do God's will, it means that the fulfilment of His promises in our lives awaits us. This is why we need perseverance. And to understand this verse properly, we are going to separately look at perseverance, doing the will of God, and receiving what He has promised.

1. Perseverance: Our perseverance denotes our faithfulness and obedience during the time when our expected promise seems unfulfilled yet. It is the unbroken and consistent practice of our faith and trust in God who has promised. It is also the evidence of our faithfulness and commitment to God over time. Perseverance is like running a race that may take place over a long distance, and so it demands great stamina or staying power. It is determination and courage in adversity. It helps us to continue doing what is appropriate in the long run. Lack of perseverance in our pursuit or expectations is sometimes due to any disappointment or discouragement and also unbelief, which can be interpreted as distrust in God. However we must learn to endure or persevere.

2. Doing God's will: To do the will of God, we must know what it is. Whatever your expectation is, you must study and locate the will of God concerning it. How do we know the will of God? Jesus said, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from the one who sent me. Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own" (John 7:16-17 NIV). In the context of our topic, this passage is directing us to locate the will of God from Christ's teachings. If you choose to do the will of God, search the Scriptures. Although here, Jesus was talking about where His teachings came from, however, as Christians, we already know that they are from God, which means that Scriptures are the right place to locate God's will. If anyone is willing to do God's will, he will get to know of Christ's teachings or study the Word of God concerning the promise (Acts 20:32 KJV).

3. Receiving what God has promised: We've just learnt that to obtain all of the blessings God intends for us, we need to be willing to do His will. In addition we must understand that receiving God's promises is all about inheriting our heavenly and earthly blessings. Knowing this will always position us to be extremely confident in our faith that what God has promised has been delivered into our hands. This confidence gives us the boldness and audacity to receive, possess and appropriate them in our lives. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Ephesians 3:20; Hebrews 10:23; Galatians 6:9; James 1:12.

Guided Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, thank you for the importance of perseverance encapsulated in today's message. By fixing my eyes directly on you, I'm emboldened to stay faithful and committed to your will, especially in the face of challenges and negativity. Gracefully I receive my promised blessings and heritage, thereby walking in absolute mastery, victory, divine health and prosperity in Jesus' Name, Amen!