February 24, 2022
“Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.” Revelation 3:10
Jesus knows every challenge we face, and yet He commands us to persevere. A fantastic promise is connected to perseverance: “I also will also keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world…” What is it, exactly, that enables us to stay true to Him? The short answer is His Holy Spirit, but knowing that answer and actually yielding our will to Him moment-by-moment, decision-by-decision may be two different things. It is the design and plan of Jesus for His Spirit to dwell within each of us, but understand that rebellious thoughts and actions have the effect of grieving Him. Grief implies separation!
But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit; so He turned Himself against them as an enemy, and He fought against them. Isaiah 63:10
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:30
It is a conscious decision when faced with any temptation to bring one’s own focus back around to Jesus (look only to Him!) and recall His loving words of encouragement and warning. The very fact that we are told to persevere and endure points to our voluntary cooperation with His saving power. In a word, obedience. This is the visible fruit that means positive influence in the lives of others. What indescribable honor He is offering! He loves you! Do you love Him back? If your desire for yourself and others is to live with Him eternally, exercise your “spiritual muscle” to:
“Look to Me and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other.” Isaiah 45:22
The little word “be” implies a state of being in which you recognize His loving guidance, and honor Him with your willingness to cooperate. It should be as natural as breathing. If you are struggling with a particular sin, take it one temptation at a time, and cheerfully, prayerfully exercise your will to line up with His will. “Be” yoked to Jesus who said:
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
You are being redeemed—sanctified—from the ways of the world. Smile! Claim His victory in your life throughout this day, for the Day of His return is near. He wants to give you a crown! Take to heart His words, spoken just before the Passover of 31AD, recorded by Luke:
“By your patience possess your souls…But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. Watch, therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” Luke 21:19,34-36