3 Truths for Persevering in a Naysaying World
Sometimes life feels like a never-ending slog to the finish line. Other times we feel like we’re careening forward at a pace sure to end in an insurance deductible. Both drain us physically, emotionally, and often spiritually.
Though battered, bruised, and beleaguered, Paul’s words from 2 Thessalonians 3:13 are forever ringing in our ears that we must “not grow weary in doing good.”
Just badgering ourselves to not grow weary is itself wearying.
If the crazy pace of this chaotic world isn’t enough, we must also remain steadfast in a culture that pushes against us on every side. We’re viewed as intolerant people on a foolhardy mission. The voices shouting in our faces are loud and angry.
Even worse are the words whispered in our ears in the quiet and seductive voice of our enemy--our Accuser, the Deceiver, the Father of Lies.
Just thinking about these things tempts my thoughts toward weariness.
So how do we keep from growing weary in the face of such opposition?
Here are three truths that can keep us going:
1. We must let go of the past. The past is what Satan uses to dissuade us, discourage us, and defeat us. If we hold on to the past, he will whisper these things in our ears. He’ll drag up our sins, stacking them like bricks in a wall he convinces us we’ll never get over.
But Hebrews 12:1 says, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us . . .”
Like a boxer stepping out of his robe before he enters the ring, we take off our past so that we may stand tall, stepping into the ring with confidence and purpose.
The Heavenly stadium is packed with people cheering us on. All of Heaven wants to see us gain the victory. And God’s Word tells us we can have it when we “lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely.”
2. We embrace the present. In John 16:33, Jesus tells His disciples that in this world they would have trouble. If we didn’t live in a world full of trouble, we wouldn’t need perseverance. Yet James 1:2-4 tells us persevering through our trials is necessary that we “may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
The trials aren’t meant to weary us, but to strengthen and refine us. As the blade of a knife must be run against the whetstone over and over again, each time finding less resistance as it’s edged is honed sharper and sharper, we too are sharpened for the days ahead.
3. We look to the future. James 1:12 says that when we have remained steadfast—when we have persevered—we “will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” Galatians 6:9 says we will reap in due season if we don’t give up. 2 Timothy 2:12 says, “If we endure, we will also reign with him.” And Matthew 24:13 promises, “the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Worldly Prizes or Eternal Prizes
People have been known to camp out for concert tickets, stay up all night running from store to store with the crazed pack of Black Friday shoppers, and scale dangerous mountains just to stand on the top for a few moments, persevering for the prize.
As followers of Christ, we have a much greater reward for our perseverance: the crown of life, a bountiful harvest, the right to be called co-heir with Christ, and the promise of salvation.
We do not listen to the naysaying world—the ones who tells us it is pointless to keep trying or the critics who encourage us to give up.
Because we have the promise of Isaiah 40:31, “But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.”
Questions for Reflection:
Where in your life have you grown weary? How can you put away or silence the naysayers? Meditate on the promise of Isaiah 40:31 and journal about past times when God has strengthened you or helped you through a difficult time. Thank Him for those times.
