The call to be faithful to the end!
By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Revelation 2:10 "Don't be afraid of anything you are about to suffer. Listen! The Devil will put you to the test by having some of you thrown into prison, and your troubles will last ten days. Be faithful to me, even if it means death, and I will give you life as your prize of victory." - GNB
The Smyrna church was going to face many challenges. Some would be imprisoned and severely tested for their faith. Because of this, some of them would be tempted to give up their faith. But Jesus told them to remain faithful even if it meant dying for what they believed. They were not to be afraid because the One Whom they trusted already knew and had everything under control. The crown of life, the prize of victory, was promised to those who would hold on to the end.
Across the world, many face severe trials for their faith in the Lord in various ways. The forces of Satan are out to use every and any means to make the disciples fail and cease to be faithful to God. To such, and those yet to be tried, the call from the Lord is to be faithful to the end. Paul and Barnabas in Iconium, Lystra and Antioch encouraged the disciples to be faithful saying, “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22).
The Lord promised to be with us when we go through the waters, the fire, valleys and thickets. Jesus taught that storms will come, and we shall be tested. But with the right foundation of our faith in the Rock of of salvation, Jesus Christ, we can be sure to stand till the end. He has no pleasure in those who fall along the way and turn back. The grace to sustain us in this journey to the end with perseverance is fully sufficient. Let’s hang in there even if strength seems little.
Revelation 3:8,10 "… I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name…Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come on the whole world to test the inhabitants of the earth."
Shalom children of God.