Several times it is recorded that Jesus said, “Whoever stands firm to the end will be saved.“

For some people that’s a scary statement. “What if I stumble? What if I’m too afraid? I know I’m a coward.“

For other people that is very encouraging. “I’m going through very hard times. And they may seem not to end. But when I get through it, I will be with Jesus.”

Some of us are a bit of both.

My counsel to people is to practice perseverance now. Practice saying, “Lord what does it mean for me to stand firm in my relationship with you today? I acknowledge that I am weak and cannot stand by my own mere willpower. But fill me with your Spirit and show me your way today, and we will get through it together.”

And even in the dreadful scenario that someone may want to take your life because they so despise your relationship with Jesus- practice now, saying “You can’t take my life away from me. I’ve already given it away to Another.“ And when they say, “Why would you do that?“ You would answer, “Because he gave himself away for me, on the cross, to atone for my sins and to display his amazing grace and powerful love for me - and for people all over the world. You see, He purchased me then.“

Remember the benediction in Jude that teaches us to look outside of ourselves and to look to him: “To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.”

Musing’s from Pastor John, January 24, Click to Email Pastor John