Matthew 10:22(ESV)
And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
The Scripture is clear that there will be widespread hatred for the people of God. Jesus, answering His disciples, said to them to see that no one leads them astray and concludes that the one who endures to the end will be saved. Our Lord Jesus Christ did not hide this truth from his disciples and eventually us when He said the one who perseveres to the finish line would make it to Heaven. It is easy to fall away from the faith without perseverance and endurance in the Christian race. So, the possibility of starting the Christian race and not reaching the finish line is obvious. However, faithful followers of Jesus Christ will withstand the onslaught of wickedness, recognize and reject false teaching, and cling fast to the truth of God’s Word. Our endurance will help us overcome this world and be devoted Christians, not allowing flatteries to corrupt us. But in humility and absolute trust in God, we shall arrive safely. While the world wonders after the devil and his kingdom, those who understand and endure will rest in hope, knowing that we belong to the Kingdom of God.
Persecution and tribulation are not strange to the Christian faith, as our Lord already told us they would happen. Those of us still running the Christian race today must be more careful because there are many distractions in the world today than there have ever been before. While awaiting the revelation of the ultimate experience of salvation, the devil, the world, and the flesh will work to derail the salvation experience received. By trying to lead many back to committing sins they once left behind. Therefore, we need to endure and not give in to them. It is part of satan’s ambition to make believers suffer afflictions and persecutions to give up and give in to his tricks. The devil will do everything possible to make Christians regret the day they gave their lives to God through His Son Jesus Christ by opening all routes of persecution, trials, and all manner of afflictions. But, if we return to our former sins, we will not partake of the ultimate salvation experience that shall be revealed and received at the appearance of Christ. As children of God, be encouraged by the words of Apostle Peter in 1 Peter 1:6-7, “In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” In Revelation 22:12-14, the Lord spoke of the reward we will receive, having endured unpleasant situations. Philippians 4:13 also assures us that we can do all things and overcome any test with the help of Jesus Christ, Who strengthens us.
Beloved, as you journey through the wilderness of this world towards your heavenly home, don’t forget that this way is a narrow one. Straight is the gate, and slim is the way according to the Words of our Lord Jesus Christ. It takes a lot of discipline and self-denial to scale through successfully. So, take a stand for Jesus Christ, even though this may attract persecution or tribulation. Be steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord and knowing your labor is not in vain. Despite the threats of trials, temptations, and afflictions, you will instruct many by your words and deeds, winning souls for Christ and knowing that to live is Christ, but to die is gain. And whether you live or die, you are the Lord’s. As a child of God, you should be persistent no matter what the devil throws your way. In all things, you are to endure with patience and rely on the Comforter. For victory belongs to those who persevere. I pray that you will persist to the end in the Name of Jesus. Pursuing holy living and fighting the good fight of faith leads you to eternal life. Never mind the circumstances around you now. Do not be ignorant of the devices of the devil. Give him no place and no foothold in your life. Determine never to give up! Take heed, lest you fall! Be careful how you run the race! Keep your eyes on the end! Continue living in the reality of the salvation received by enforcing your victory over sin.
O Lord, help me endure to the end and not perish with this world in Jesus’ Name.