[Hebrews 6:11-12 KJV] “And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end: That ye be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises”.
[Acts 20:24 KJV] “But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God”.
2 Timothy 4:7-8 KJV“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing”.
The decision to be baptised is a decision to follow Jesus Christ in the way, the truth, and the life.
It is important to finish your course, keep the faith and finish strong. Indeed only those who show a full assurance of hope to end are crowned.
What then are some of the simple secrets to follow this resolution through to the end?
1. Set S.M.A.R.T goals:
The Bible tells us in Proverbs 29:18 that “where there is no vision, the people of God cast off restraint.” If you have no where going, anywhere is somewhere. As a church we have a vision to go into the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Our goal however is to set up at least 100 centres where those who believe and their families can worship and be trained to fulfill their God-given assignment. Our passion is to move people from where they are to where God has purposed for them to be. You must also have clear goals for living.
2. Break them down to little attainable steps or goal:
Most often than not, your S.M.A.R.T goal might be difficult to attain until you break it down into little attainable steps. Be committed to take a little here, a little there. You goals must be in strategic manageable chunks.
3. Read your Bible and pray everyday for direction and strength to continue:
“Wisdom is the principal thing” as the Bible tells us in Proverbs 4:7; you must get wisdom as part of the many things you are trying to get in life. The two principal paths to godly wisdom is knowledge of the word and prayer. If any man lack wisdom, let him ask.
4. Focus on what you ought to be doing instead of what you ought not to do:
It is better to know what must be done and focus on doing it rather than what you ought not to do. You must be righteousness conscious.
Your sins and trespasses can be forgiven, but it is your obedience that is rewarded and honoured.
It is important to focus on doing the things that procures God’s blessings and reward.
5. Celebrate every little victory:
One way to recieve strength and power to continue is to learn to celebrate every little victory. Be thankful for every little thing. Celebrate your 50th birthday to the max; not everybody lives up to 50 years. Make a big deal out of every victory. Enjoy the journey and not just the destination.
6. Reach forth towards the mark of the calling:
We learn this from apostle Paul. He was very clear in Philippians 3, that he had not arrived but one thing he did was to forget the things that are behind and press on towards the mark of the high calling of God.
7. Mind the same rules by which you have come this far:
He further admonishes that as many as are finishing-strong-minded, should mind the same things which has brought them this far. Your little successes and victories might make you complacent, so be mindful and be reminded to mind the same rules by which you have come this far.
[Philippians 3:13-17 KJV]“Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an example”.
Be blessed; I love you!
Noah Simpeh Bediako
