A Brief Encouragement to Carry On!

By David Ettinger

As Christians, the world will call us “haters,” “bigots,” “intolerable,” and mock our “cave-man” mentality. It will hurt. It will challenge our faith.

The culture will shun, ridicule, and vilify us, but we must stand fast knowing “there is laid up for [us] a crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8). In other words, there is an eternity with Christ awaiting us, making the trials of this world – our “light affliction” – as seeming “for but a moment” (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Hebrews 12:3 reminds us that Jesus experienced what we did – and far worse, hence another reason to carry on: “Consider him [Jesus] who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Hebrews further encourages believers to not give up on each other, especially as the return of Christ draws ever nearer: “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Always remember that Jesus is in the fight with you, and that when your time in this life is over, He will reward you for your steadfastness: “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).

Just a brief reminder … Jesus is with you; He loves you; He upholds you; He fights for you; He strengthens you; He encourages you; and He is right now reserving a place in Heaven for you (John 14:2-3). So be encouraged, Christian pilgrim, and carry on the good fight!

Tagged: Christian Perseverance, Encourged in Christ, Stay True to Christ, The Comfort of God, The Love of God

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