Revelation 3:10 says, “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.
The word Perseverance is defined as constant effort to achieve something, keep on steady, to continue at something difficult (W E Vine). Why did John write this to the Church of Philadelphia? Through thick and thin his group of believers kept their faith with obedience to the word of God.
How do we persevere as children of God today?
- Understanding that we have peace with God, through the Lord Jesus Christ, in all storms in life when we endure with patience we build our Character according to the Word of God. (Romans 5:3-4)
- Keeping your faith in great patience – Because our faith is always been tested by the people around us, through the misunderstanding, accusation, misjudgement, we have to bear them with patience by the power of the Holy Spirit (2 Thessalonians 1:4)
- Loving God through the sufferings – I want to share you a little story here. I had a niece who was very closed to God, because she had a good relationship, she would know what was happening ahead of her, very specially where my family was concerned. Somehow this child fell sick all of a sudden and diagnosed with kidney failure, but with all this her love for God increased, the month she was in hospital she wrote poems about God’s love for her and her unshakable faith in Him. Like Job in the hour of trial God gave her the strength to go through it, only difference was Job was alive and regained everything he had lost but my niece went to be with her eternal Lover (2 Thessalonians 3:5).
- Walking in your calling even if you have to give up everything in life – When we start the race we should reach the finishing line taming our selves, and keeping to the rules (Heb 12:1-2; 1Co 9:24-27)
- Believing in God’s compassion and mercy – Prophet Jeremiah said morning by morning His mercies are renewed, we need His mercy and compassion to live, without it we can’t persevere any further (Jas 5:11; Ps 145:8-9;)
- Having self control – Very specially when you have lost your temper zip your mouth tight, because if you can’t control your mind you will never be able to control anything (2Pet 1:6; Ps 4:4;Pro 13:3)
- Labour for Lord in patience not becoming weary and un-noticed -Today we don’t find labourers in the church, everyone wants to hold an office, anything we do in the name of Christ should be done unrecognized, today in churches, ministries an office is created for the sake of recognition as a result the church has lost her servant-hood. (Rev 2:2-3). Remember the more you are un-noticed by people you are noticed by God (Rev 2:2-3).
- Let your work be increasing day by day in the midst of all criticism never give up – Because He that who called you is faithful to complete the work He started in you. Remember Jesus Christ Himself was criticized by the religious leaders, family, and society (Revelation 2:19; 2Peter 1:2-3).
When we live a life of perseverance then the Lord sets an open door for us that no man can shut and He shuts doors that no man may open. So dear fellow Christians do not give up or get weary, keep on persevering in whatever God has given you to do because He says “Behold, I come soon quickly! Hold fast to what you have, that no one may take your crown. (Revelation 3:11). I strongly believe that none of us wants to miss our crown.
