When we consider topics like endurance or perseverance or steadfastness, it's easy to think of them in the abstract or to project them into the future. When I face opposition out in the future, I'll make sure to endure rather than falter. Or, When I'm old and at the end of my life, I'll be sure to remember the importance of finishing strong. That's not how it works. The determination to follow Christ regardless of the cost isn't something that just flashes into our souls at the moment of crisis. It starts now and takes a lifetime to develop. It's a day-by-day process. This is a choice you and I need to make now, at this moment. There are some practical ways to get started and to sustain our progress, regardless of what's happening to the World of the End. |
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Determine to Run Your Race |
First comes a God-given, incontestable, undeniable determination to live for Christ whatever the cost. Jesus said, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. — Luke 9:23 Sometime the Lord grabs our ankles, turns us upside down, this way and that way, until we come to our senses and decide to follow Jesus. Still, we have to say, "No turning back." We have to say, "Though no one join me, still I will follow." Make up your mind that nothing will deter you from God's will, that no one will draw you from His path, that no foe will defeat you, and that no sin will stop you. - The world behind you, the cross before you!
I mentioned earlier that followers of Christ must be prepared to endure trials of various kinds as we seek to finish that race. Jesus Himself promised we would face tribulation. But here is a principle and a promise that can help us keep striving: those trials and tribulations can actually become fuel for our endurance. No matter what the world throws our way, we can recycle those experiences in such a way that, through the power of God, our pain is transformed into power. | |
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The world behind you, the cross before you! | The world behind you, the cross before you! |
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Don't believe me? Let's see what Scripture says: - "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2–4 ESV).
- "Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us" (Romans 5:3–5 ESV).
Yes, trials and suffering can make it more difficult for us to run the spiritual course set before us — but they don't have to. With God behind us and beside us, suffering becomes steadfastness. Pain becomes perseverance. And trials are transformed into a blessed hope that can carry us even toward perfection and completion, where we lack no good thing. So, how will you handle the bumps and bruises you receive in your efforts to follow Christ? Will you allow them to slow you down, or will you use them as fuel for your faithfulness? According to Scripture, the choice is yours. |
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| Determine to React with Radiance |
Speaking of choice, it's important that we address our own actions and attitudes when we encounter difficult circumstances. In many ways, how we conduct ourselves throughout our spiritual walk is just as important as how we finish the race. What do I mean by that? Well, I've known some lemon-faced Christians in my day who were high on endurance but low on love. They were determined to persevere in the midst of persecution, but they made sure everyone around them knew how miserable they were in the process — and they made life miserable for many others who happened to encounter them in the middle of their race. Such an attitude is not befitting for servants of the King. As Christians, we are called not only to run with endurance and finish the race but to do so in a way that encourages others to follow us. We have been commanded not only to be disciples of Jesus but to make disciples. And for that to happen, we need to reflect the love and grace and goodness of the One we follow. My point is this: when we are confronted by all the ugliness Jesus predicted for the World of the End, we can respond by radiating the love of Christ. We can live, as Paul commanded, "rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer" (Romans 12:12). Remember Peter's commission to the earliest believers, which also applies to us: What credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: "Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth"; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously. (1 Peter 2:20–23) Developing perseverance as a believer in Jesus does not have to be a bitter experience. Yes, each of us will need to endure unpleasant seasons — and this will be especially true as we move closer to the World of the End. But we can use those seasons as opportunities to radiate the love and light of Christ. |
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Excerpted with permission from The World of the End by Dr. David Jeremiah, copyright Dr. David Jeremiah. * |
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Are you determined to run your race with endurance? Even in, and maybe especially in, these challenging days that aren't going to get any easier and Jesus said would only get uglier, keep going, keep persevering, keep your eyes fixed on Him! |
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In a world that seems to be spinning out of control, we need hope now more than ever |
The World of the End: How Jesus' Prophecy Shapes Our Priorities |
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+ FREE shipping on all orders $35 and more |
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Our world is packed with lies and loss of trust. Wars and rumors of war. Devastation and disaster. Pressure and persecution. Lawlessness and lovelessness. Some days it seems like bad news all around. And with bad news comes questions: "Why is this happening? When will it stop? What can we do?" And perhaps the most pressing of all: "Is this the end?" In these hope-filled pages, bestselling author, pastor, and respected Bible teacher Dr. David Jeremiah focuses our attention not on the problems at hand, but on the hand of God. That's because Jesus Himself told us what to expect from this season of history when He delivered His Olivet Discourse—a significant sermon that scholars have called "the most important single passage of prophecy in all the Bible." |
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In The World of the End, learn how: - The Bible has already laid the foundation on how we can live victoriously, even in difficult times
- Jesus not only calls Christians to a higher standard, but equips us with the tools and strength we need to confidently follow him daily
- The gospels contain the comfort you need to trust that God is in control and that his plan is still working to completion
With his trademark clarity, Dr. Jeremiah reveals exactly what Jesus promised to us—and what He expects of us—as we approach the World of the End. |
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What Others Are Saying about The World of the End |
"This book lets you see how times are changing and the relationship to prophecy of the last days. Additionally, it gives great advice to Christians on how we should both respond and how we should be spreading the Word. It is a really good read and if you are a group leader, it has so many lessons you can draw from." — Amazon Reviewer |
"This is a wonderful Christian book and good for non-Christians to read and learn about the future." — Amazon Reviewer |
"Dr. Jeremiah does a wonderful job in connecting past and present events to unpack the words of Jesus in Matthew 24. He doesn't use fear factors, just the word of God to make his points. I especially love the advise he offers us as Christians as we live in and interact with "The World of the End." — Amazon Reviewer |
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The God of the How and When Online Bible Study |
by Kathie Lee Gifford and Rabbi Jason Sobel |
The God of the How and When Online Bible Study |
by Kathie Lee Gifford and Rabbi Jason Sobel |
"My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways . . . as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." -Isaiah 55:8–9 Friend, let's kick off the new year studying God's word together! Sign up now and join us for The God of the How and When Online Bible Study with Kathie Lee Gifford and Rabbi Jason Sobel. |
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this devotion with someone who needs it today |
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