The Answer is to Endure.

Thank you to those of you who responded to my last post. I think I have my aim, and I appreciate those who bear with me during these times of doubt and self-reflection.

I’d like to be this pillar of faith that never waivers. Maybe someday. One thing I do know is that the Lord rewards those who diligently seek Him. Keeping the faith patiently and continuing despite obstacles that come our way is essential to the Christian walk. There is little instant gratification, but a patient enduring as Paul the apostle wrote of, in hopes of inheriting the promises of God through Jesus Christ.

We run the race, fight the good fight, and keep our faith until the end. So, I will keep contending for the faith and the truths I believe both in doctrine and according to the righteousness of God we obtain by grace through faith in the promises of the kingdom.

It is good for us to fulfill all righteousness as Christians, as much as it is given to us. If we suffer something in this life, that is great! We have more opportunity to fulfill the righteousness given to us in the scriptures by those who were faithful before us.

We do not have to fear suffering nor should we run from it, but in gratitude embrace any hardship with thanksgiving, understanding that as Christ was made perfect through sufferings, so are we.

There is no room for a cushy life of complacency. We should do our best to walk as faithful servants according to what we are given, in afflictions, in gifts of the Spirit, and in blessings of this world (of which we should thank the Lord and remain focused on Him, so we are not as one snared by the things of this world).

All of this considered along with the lessons I have learned in recent years about how to approach the brethren in love–and what righteous love looks like–I will keep the course with faith that the Lord will keep me.

That will mean fighting enemies in the realm of “principalities, powers, rulers of darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places.” Defending the truth even when these enemies seem to be on every side. Yet, doing so according to righteousness, not self-serving, proud, impatient, and scornful.

If there comes a time in your life as a Christian where you feel near to giving up, feel your faith is wavering, or as if your desire or zeal is dying, turn to Jesus. Call on His name, and he will revive you.