Today’s political and social climate makes it more and more difficult for us to remain steadfast in our faith. When Jesus said to the people, “Follow Me,” He meant to follow His enduring faith footsteps in His Father—no matter the cost. How are we doing?
Eternal Perspectives by Sally Bair
Don’t Give Up!
My husband and I camped at the foot of an Alaskan mountain one summer. Because of relentless rain, on day three we decided to hike the seven miles back to our camper. Cold and wet, we hurried along the narrow trail as the devil’s claw and other unpleasant weeds slapped us in our faces during the entire trek.
I should have been in better physical shape because by mile 4 I began to lag behind. My husband kept encouraging me to keep on going, but by mile 6 I dropped to my knees, unable to take another step. He hurried to the RV where he dropped off his backpack then hurried back to me, shouldered my backpack, and took my arm to help me back.
What an experience! Without his help, I wouldn’t have endured to the end. It caused me to think about how much we all need each other. When we face temptations, illness, or a lagging spirit, we can call on each other within our church body for help. We can pray together and encourage each other.
The story of Moses shows how we all need help to endure. The only way to gain victory over the enemy meant Moses had to stand on a hill with uplifted arms. Every time he raised his arms, Israel won a battle. But he grew so weary that others came along and held up his arms until they finally were victorious.
Such spiritual undergirding helps us to endure any trial, especially those regarding our faith. Today’s political and societal climate has Christians under fire, so to speak, regarding many issues. In the Greek translation, the word endure means to persevere, remain, abide, bear [up], and more. Jesus said, “You will be hated by all for My name’s sake, but he who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 10:22 & 24:13)
All of us experience times when we must “keep on keeping on,” no matter how difficult or time-consuming. And what greater way to endure spiritual attacks than to be immersed in God’s Word! We need not only the help of other believers, we need His Word to undergird our faith. The New Testament book of Hebrews reminds us that “The Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
Lord, thank You for Your Word that helps us grow and abide in our faith so we can endure the attacks against us. Cause us to become so familiar with it, in mind and heart, that our use of it will keep us from giving up. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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