Daily Devotional For Saturday, November 18, 2023

Many people quit way too soon when they are on a project that is not going the way they want or they face difficulty or opposition. The difference between committed people and uncommitted people is that committed people do not quit. They do not give up. People with residence keep at it in spite of obstacles or resistance. Probably one of the greatest traits any parent can instill in their child is to have determined residence. 

Jesus said this in John 16:33b, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (NLT). The Greek New Testament word translated as “trouble” is[θλίψιν, thliphsin]. This was a word used to denote the pain that a mother experiences in childbirth. Therefore, some translators use the word persecution, trials, sorrows and suggests serious difficulties for Christians.

In spite of all of this, we, the followers of Jesus Christ, are encouraged because Jesus has “overcome” the world. The word “overcome” Jesus used is the Greek New Testament word [νενίκηκα, nenikeka]. This is a military term used to express victory over a battle. The Apostle John obviously had in mind Jesus’ soon victory for us through His death on the cross via crucifixion and His resurrection. Meaning — our victory is already guaranteed. Resilient faith gives you the power and ability to hold on, not quit and persistent through though situations.

The Apostle Paul writes this in 2 Corinthians 4:7-11, "We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. (9) We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. (10) Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. (11) Yes, we live under constant danger of death because we serve Jesus, so that the life of Jesus will be evident in our dying bodies" (NLT).

Yes we will have to endure some pain as Jesus did. I can think of many who have endured far more for Christ and were the victors:

1. American missionaries named Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Ed McCully, Peter Fleming, and Roger Youderian. These five men were speared to death by the Huaorani warriors of the Auca Indians in the rainforest of Ecuador on January 8, 1956. Their wives did not quit. They took their children and moved into the village. In time, these same warriors came to Christ. A movie was made about called, End of the Spear.
2. Dietrich Bonhoeffer — who was living in America and when back to Germany to oppose Hitler. He was killed, but before he was, he wrote a book called, The Cost of Discipleship, which I have read. This book has helped more Christians be resilient in their faith.
3. Corrie ten Boom — she and her family hide Jews in Holland during WWII. They had a secret “hiding place.” They were eventually turned in and the whole Ten Boom family were put in concentration camps. Corrie survived due to her resilient faith and her story has helped many Christians be resilient with their faith in a book and movie called The Hiding Place.
4. Christian teen-agers and college kids who remain faithful to God in spite of the liberal colleges they attend. They engage in conversations with their peers even when they are being mocked, ridiculed, and experience put-downs.

It all comes down to how you would answer this question, “How big if your God?” Now where do we as Christians get such resilience? — through our faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus said He overcame and so will we. It is easy to say, “God, I am tired of fighting this battle. There never seems to be a break. Will this ever end?” Yes — when you stand before God in heaven. Yesterday, I wrote about failures. No on in this life ever has, is or ever will, go through life with a perfect record of no opposition. 

In 1987, singer George Michael had a hit song title, “Faith.” One of the lines is, “Gotta have faith.” I would say, “Gotta have faith in Jesus Christ.” The Bible says in Hebrews 11:6, “And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to Him must believe that God exists and that He rewards those who sincerely seek Him” (NLT). So, what is faith. Well, the Bible tells us in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses]” (AMP).

Faith is taking God at His word. Ever seen a parent standing on a playground with a small child on a tall ledge saying, “Jump. Jump. I’ll catch you.” The child goes back and forth nervously wondering will that parent catch them. Eventually they take that leap of faith and their parent catches them. Then the child says, “Let’s do it again.” Why? Their faith confirmed the truth and integrity of their parent. Love you -- Pastor Kelly

Verse To Meditate On: James 1:12, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” (NIV).

Prayer To Pray: “Dear Jesus, help me to persevere when trails, testing and temptation come. Help me to not quit nor give up. Jesus, help me to put my trust in Your Holy Spirit to give me the power and the will to honor You with my life. I believe You are in me working to will and work for Your good pleasure. Thank You I can do all things through Christ. When my residence stops and I fall, help me to quickly ask for Your forgiveness and start over. In Jesus’ name, Amen!”