I didn't write this, but it was sent to me by a friend. I liked the message, so I decided to pass it on to all of you.
Enjoy.
~W.G.
Perseverance
AUGUST 16, 2007
(Acts 14:22)
Excerpts from Bill Keller
Several months ago a dear friend sent me an excerpt from the writings of that great preacher and theologian from the 1800's -- Charles Spurgeon . I sat at my desk and read Spurgeon's' words and tears literally ran down my cheeks as I was read about my life, my battles, my challenges in his poignant words. I have printed out that passage he wrote. I refer to it often since it so perfectly sums up my life and sums up the life of any follower of Christ who is sold out to serve the Lord.
I want to share those powerful words with you today. They really sum up what this journey is all about. There is perhaps no greater challenge we have as followers of Christ than to remain true to the faith. In those moments of temptation, I often think back to the words of Peter. When asked by Jesus if he would turn away from the Lord, Peter boldly responded in John 6:68, "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life!" That is why the child of God presses on, remains true to the faith. To whom shall we go?
Spurgeon writes:
"Perseverance is the badge of true saints. The Christian life is not a beginning only in the ways of God, but also a continuance in the same as long as life lasts. Your motto must be, "Excelsior." He only is a true conqueror, and shall be crowned at the last, who continues till war's trumpet is blown no more. Perseverance is, therefore, the target of all our spiritual enemies. The world does not object to your being a Christian for a time, if she can but tempt you to cease your pilgrimage. The flesh will seek to ensnare you, and to prevent your pressing on to glory. "It is weary work being a pilgrim; come, give it up. Am I always to be mortified? Am I never to be indulged? Give me at least a furlough from this constant warfare." Satan will make many a fierce attack on your perseverance; it will be the mark for all his arrows. He will strive to hinder you in service: he will insinuate that you are doing no good; and that you want rest. He will endeavor to make you weary of suffering, he will whisper, "Curse God, and die." Or he will attack your steadfastness: "What is the good of being so zealous? Be quiet like the rest; sleep as do others, and let your lamp go out as the other virgins do." Or he will assail your doctrinal sentiments: "Why do you hold to these denominational creeds? Sensible men are getting more liberal; they are removing the old landmarks: fall in with the times." Wear your shield, Christian, therefore, close upon your armor, and cry mightily unto God, that by His Spirit you may endure to the end."
I pray today that you will pray over these powerful words. They sum up so eloquently the challenge of remaining true to the faith. The challenge to not turn away from serving the Lord after a season to go back into the world. The war is against apathy. These are all very real issues those who serve the Lord must face along their journey through life as they strive to remain true to the faith. It is our steadfastness and perseverance that satan will assail. A Christian does not scare satan, however, a Christian who is steadfast and perseveres no matter what life throws his way, is the enemy's worst nightmare!
To all of you Atheists out there...and you know who you are... I would hope that you are really Agnostic.
Life is good.
~WG.
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