A recurring theme throughout the Bible is the Lord calling us to remain faithful despite the enemy’s schemes. Although life can be difficult, and our circumstances can be exhausting, there is something about pressing into God and relying on His strength, not our own. When we become weary of our circumstances, the enemy plants doubt about the Lord’s goodness. You may be in a situation now or have been in the past where the enemy attacks you with lies and doubt.
If you are tempted to doubt God’s love for you, turn to God’s word and meditate on a verse. John 3:16 For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. [1] When satan tempted Jesus in Matthew chapter four, Jesus did not argue but quoted Bible verses from the Old Testament to refute the enemy’s charges. Jesus turned to God’s word to thwart attacks by the enemy and gave us a living example of what we need to do.
Remember What You Have Been Taught
The wonderful thing about taking the Lord’s word into your heart is that it transforms you and becomes part of your faith foundation. Paul tells us about the importance of faith instruction. 1 Timothy 3:14 But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. 15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.[2]
Spending time in the Lord’s word builds our relationship and continually reinforces His teachings. An ongoing relationship with the Lord allows us to depend on Him for strength, courage, and wisdom when trouble comes. This becomes our natural response. Scripture affirms the importance of godly instruction and its lasting effects. Proverbs 22:6 Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. [3]
Remaining Faithful Affects This Life and the Next
If you have ever been lost, it is a sinking feeling, and it often takes time to get back to where you need to be. This may cause many heartaches. Sometimes people become lost in life, taking detours that cause pain to themselves and those around them. Remaining faithful is staying on the right path even when the enemy tempts us with alluring detours. Jesus talks about the faithful path of life being the narrow road.
Matthew 7:13 “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. 14 But the gateway to life is very narrow, and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it. [4]
The narrow road is often not trendy, and people are often critical of those walking down that road. They may try to shame others into joining them on the broad road. With the Lord’s strength and guidance, He leads and guides us. This gives us the courage to stay faithful to Him no matter the cost to ourselves. A life of purpose and eternal life awaits those faithful to Jesus as they journey through life. To learn how to remain faithful, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/lead-faithfully
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.