To become an enduring Christian, you need to understand the truth that a believer is as a ship tossed to and fro by the winds and circumstances of life. Many of us face many storms and tribulations, and there is no way of escape. The Bible tells us that there are times when the tribulations are needful. We face the storm because we must go through it.
[Acts 14:21-24 KJV] “And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.
The word of God teaches very clearly that the devil is the perpetrator of our afflictions, and that God allows us to go through them for a while if need be. We must, however, make every possible move to resist him. Yet we should not be too surprised if the tribulation persists after all that we do to resist the devil.
[1 Peter 5:8-11 KJV] “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen”.
The word of God teaches clearly that we can do all we want and can to avoid suffering certain things, yet one thing is sure; we may go through some tough times. The Bible says that we will experience some storms if need be, but it adds that God will by those storms;
- Perfect
- Stablish
- Strengthen and
- Settle us
The apostles exhorted the early church to continue steadfastly in the faith. Until we make the quality decision to continue in the faith, we will miss our eternal crowns. this is because God will reward only those who finish their race.
There is never going to be a time when the devil will not tempt you. You will always face some sort of challenge. The devil may leave you for a while, but he will surely come back with some temptation. We must be determined and make up our minds to sail and pull through every battle or challenge.
For instance, as we try to plant churches and determined to gather those who believe, every missionary is striving hard to grow their congregations. We must strive too. Whether we have two or three or twenty or five thousand members; every missionary and pastor is striving to keep their head up. We must also strive.
Who, therefore, is an enduring Christian? The enduring Christian is one who is determined to find and finish their race and course with joy. You are an enduring Christian if you are determined to finish what you have started.
The four simple steps to become an enduring church or Christian is to;
1. Continue steadfastly in the doctrine and fellowship:
You must always determine to follow the doctrine that is taught and attend the fellowship meetings. There is always something the Lord is teaching us through your pastor. You must find and continue in it. You must not forsake the assembling together of ourselves. It is important that you make it your way of life to always attend the fellowship meetings. You must also determine to walk in and by what is being taught. Others may teach other things but we know one thing, the word from our pulpit and altar is what God wants us to hear. There is something the sons of the prophets may be taught, but Elisha became Elisha because he followed Elijah. If you really want to finish strong, then continue following steadfastly in the fellowship and doctrine of your pastor.
2. Continue steadfastly in breaking of bread:
This is the spiritual meal that is served in church. It is the body of Christ that was broken for us. John 6 teaches that those who eat the communion or the bread that was broken for us have eternal life.
3. Continue steadfastly in prayer:
Prayer is the key that will keep you running. Prayer is the breath of the spirit. It is the food of faith. The Son of Man will find faith on earth when He returns and finds praying men and women.
4. Stay connected with people who believe with us:
Those who believed were together. You must beware that if you have friends and fraternity outside those who believe what we believe, you may soon fall off. There is so much falsehood being peddled out there; I encourage you to stick with those who believe what you believe. This will protect your faith.
You will not fail nor fall by the way. You will endure the storm and press on. Change is coming and you must hold the Fort. We must become enduring believers who press through every storm.
You must become like the palm tree to win and survive every storm. You are blessed if you can walk by these steps.
Be blessed, I love you!
Noah Simpe Bediako
Enquiry Questions
- Why should you strive to become an enduring Christian?
- Who is an enduring Christian?
- How can you become an enduring Christian?
