”Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. …” (James 12:1-18) In a recent eulogy for my uncle the preacher lamented, “Times have changed, people don’t stick anymore with their commitments.” Perhaps the times have changed and warrant the question, will we persevere in our appointed time? Will we stick and finish what the Lord has placed in our charge? Perseverance is defined as completing a task despite difficulty or challenges. The difficulty and challenges will come, oh yes, it is definite. Yet, if quitting is an option it will bring instability to any endeavor. But, if perseverance is at the heart of the matter, one will stick unto death. Perseverance becomes a Medal of Honor, a robe of glory. Others might inquire, “Why don’t you quit?” or “Why do you put up with that?” Our answer, “Because I will reap if I faint not.” (Galatians 6:9) I hope we realize that the enemy will throw everything at us, including the kitchen sink, to get us to quit. He understands the power of the man, woman, or child who is committed to Christ. It shows up in everything we do. Charles Spurgeon wrote, “He is mixed up with the world; he is compelled to associate with the ungodly. To a great degree, he must, at least six days in the week, walk in an atmosphere uncongenial with his nature: he is compelled to hear words which will never provoke him to love and good works, and to behold actions whose example is obnoxious. He is exposed to temptations of every sort and size, for this is the lot of the followers of the Lamb. Satan knows how useful is a consistent follower of the Savior, and how much damage to Christ's cause an inconsistent professor may bring, and therefore he emptieth out all his arrows from his quiver that he may wound, even unto death, the soldier of the cross. “But as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities.” (2 Corinthians 6:4) We stick! GiGi❤️
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