RHAPSODY OF REALITIES TEEVO;
9TH JUNE, 2018 ; PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME;
“KEEP KEEPING ON”
(Learn To Endure Challenging Times In Hope)
TO THE BIBLE 2 Timothy 2:3
“When the going gets rough, take it on the chin with the rest of us, the way Jesus did.”
LET’S TALK
“I can’t go on, Coach; it’s just too much pain!” Joan complained as she collapsed off her exercise bike, panting excessively. She had been running on-thespot for an hour nonstop!
Coach Ben said to her, “If you want to win the race competition, and set that world record you’ve been dreaming of, you mustn’t give present pain as an excuse to not continue. You’ve got to train hard and persevere till you get that medal and world record.”
Perseverance is such an important virtue for every Christian to have. The Bible admonishes us to add it to our faith: “…Also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance…” (2 Peter 1:5-6). The key word that describes what the Apostle Peter is talking about is perseverance—‘stickability!’
It refers to staying power; the ability to “keep keeping on” in the face of opposition! No matter what happens, refuse to buckle under any pressure; endure with hope. Things may look hard and very challenging; if you ever find yourself in such a situation, endure; go through it! Stick with what you believe! Don’t give up. In your life, learn to endure hardship with hope. Some people endure without hope, but perseverance without hope is useless. Your perseverance must be in expectation of a positive outcome; you’re hopeful of a better and brighter day ahead, and you create the picture in your mind.
Tough situations are for tough minds; those who faint or cower in the day of adversity are of little strength (Proverbs 24:10). Therefore, endure hardness with hope, joy, and gladness, knowing that in all things, you’re more than a conqueror.
Go Deeper
Galatians 5:22-23 GNB; Hebrews 10:35-36
Pray
Dear Father, I thank you for giving me hope in Christ Jesus. I know that my tomorrow is greater than my today because the path of the just is as a shining light that shines brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. I’m confident to face anything that comes my way, because I know my victory is assured, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Acts 1:1-26, 2 Chronicles 1-4