HOLD OUT TO THE END

Our experiences in life change just like the changing weather conditions.at different times we are faced with either pleasurable or harrowing conditions. Sometimes, we experience heart-warming successes, at other times we experience heart-rending failures. Sometimes, there’s much sorrow and sighing. Sometimes, we bubble with life and health, at other times we are brought down by sickness and poverty and penury. Sometimes, we thrive in the love and comfort of friends, at other times we strive with the hatred and buffeting of foes.

    Unexpectedly, many people change with their changing circumstances. When the going is good, they are elated and highly spirited, but wait till they get hit by the slightest blow, everything goes down completely. They lose the glee and gladness they once had when the weather was fair and favorable. In fact, even so called believers cower in the face of challenges. They love, obey and serve God only when things are rosy, when there are no trials and temptations, and turn right against Him when things get rough. For some, however, they remember God only when the storm is raging and forget Him right after He calms the storm.

     What stands you out as a true follower of Christ is your ability to hold on to your faith, Christian convictions, and love for God no matter what you are faced with. God’s word counsels in James 1:2-4 “MY BRETHREN, COUNT IT ALL JOY WHEN YE FALL INTO DIVERS TEMPTATION; KNOWING THIS, THAT THE TRYING OF YOUR FAITH WORKETH PATIENCE. BUT LET PATIENCE HAVE HER PERFECT WORK, THAT YE MAY BE PREFECT AND ENTIRE, WANTING NOTHING.”  Now, the knowledge that God allows trials, persecutions, adversities and challenges, not to destroy you but to make you a mature believer, whose heart is deeply rooted in Christ’s love, and whose feet are firmly planted on the Solid Rock, should cheer your heart and make your feet swift and sturdy as you progress in your walk with Him. But, to resist challenges, persecutions and trails when they come, is to refuse spiritual growth and maturity.

      No doubt, it is extremely difficult not to bend under the weight of certain challenges, especially when you rely on your human ability. Little wonder, Scripture states clearly that “BY STRENGTH SHALL NO MAN PREVAIL” (1 Samuel2:9). To be able to hold out to the end, therefore, you must lean on Gods enabling grace and strength. The secret of receiving this strength to hold out is in constant fellowship and communion with Christ. Moses and other patriarchs of old discovered this secret and used it to their advantage. For instance, it was said of Moses that, “BY FAITH HE FORSOOK EGYPT, NOT FEARING THE WRATH OF THE KING: FOR HE ENDURED, AS SEEING HIM WHO IS INVISIBLE” (Hebrews 11:27).

        Imagine how comforting it feels to unburden your heart to your pastor or a trusted friend. Just by so doing are you are encouraged to face your challenges squarely and live life to the fullest. Communion and fellowship with God gives you greatest strength to face life’s challenging situations, and the grace to hold out to the very end.

        Dear reader, a day is coming when the Lord will make up His jewels and reward faithful disciples who overcome. Will you hold out till that crowning day? Or will you bow out in the face of challenges and troubles of life? The Lord is always willing and ever near to give you the grace you need to overcome in the battles of life. All He requires from you is a resolve to hold out to the end, as well as a commitment to lean on Him for needed grace and strength. He has promised “……..I WILL NEVER LEAVE THEE, NOR FORSAKE THEE” (Hebrews 13:5)