“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16: 33)
Perseverance is key to the life of a Christian. Etymologically speaking, the word persevere started in the Mid 14th century, from Fr. perseverer “continue, endure”; and directly from Latin perseverare “continue steadfastly, persist”, from persevereus very strict, earnest”, from per- (very) + severus (strict). One of the greatest challenges in Christianity is the call to persevere. The Christian is called to a life of perseverance.
The word persevere means to continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty or with little or no indication of success. For over 400 years, the Isrealites remained in bondage under the Egyptians with the rulership of the Pharaohs of Egypt (Exodus 12: 40). They were promised a way out but they had to wait for the time of fulfilment (Exodus 2: 23 – 24, 3: 7; Hab. 2:3). Eventually, they were taken out of Egypt and in Exodus 24, assembled at the Mount Sinai (Horeb) in the Sinai desert, in the start of a new beginning.
Often times, when we undergo the “Egypt” experience, while serving or working for others and are being maltreated, and feel helpless or hopeless, we must remember that the all-knowing and all-seeing God who knows the heart of every man is aware of our sufferings and He will act in due time. In Exodus 24 vs 12, God gave Moses specific detailed instructions, “Come up to me on the mountain, and wait there;” Moses waited for 6 days before he got an audience (Exodus 24 Vs 16).
In our present day Nigeria, we are inundated with such words as, “sharp – sharp, now – now”, everyone is in a hurry, and little or no attention is paid to the details of instruction given, whereas God works at His appointed time which He has preordained. Yet the reason for each event is for our good, (Deut 29:9 Jer. 29:11).
Moses remained on this mountain for forty days and nights as seen in vs 18. Often times the Isrealites had something to do with the number 40. It may interest one to know that it takes this long to completely eradicate pests, farmers can attest to this. 40 may be seen as the period of sacrifice necessary for a new beginning.
Christians must keep in mind the fact that those who love the Lord Jesus and follow His principles of truth and righteousness will be persecuted for as long as they are in this world (John 16; 33, 2 Cor 4:4, Job 1 & 2). But through the ages we are called to a life of persistent righteousness in Christ who rewards all according to our deeds (Jeremiah 17 : 5 – 14). Therefore we must hold on to the end. (Matt 10: 22).
God looks at the heart of man (Jer. 17:10; I or 2 Cor.). He is interested in rewarding us according to our deeds, however, our WAYs must be in concert with His for Him to be pleased with us. Our WAYs determine our action (Jer 17: 10). The deeds of a man whose ways are good will be good so also the ways of an evil man is evil. By their fruits you shall know them (Matt 7 : 16- 20), God rewards us according to our deeds, (Jer 17 vs. 7 – 8) whether good or bad (Jer 17 vs 5 – 6, 9 – 11, Heb 11: 6).
There will be many adverse situations and circumstances that we will face as Christians, just because we are called by the name of the Lord, but we must remember that only those who persevere to the end will be saved (Matt 24: 13) and will receive the crown of righteousness (James 1: 12). We must always remember that the grace of God is sufficient for us to excel in all situations and circumstances.
Have a victorious week as you take heart in the One who has overcome the world!
Your brother, Vicar & Archdeacon
Igein Isemede