Knowing there is an end to spiritual warfare provides motivation for persevering in battle. Living without hope would be like running a race without a finish line. Learning to persevere in the face of the enemy is the key to learning to gain victory. The follower of Jesus who rejoices in future glory can also rejoice in present affliction, because trials produce in us the kind of character that has a greater capacity to rejoice about the future. No matter how severe or devastating our trials are, they can never take away our hope of future glory or steal our joy ……… unless we allow them to. Romans 5 tells us that trials are beneficial to our spiritual vitality because they prove our spiritual character by purifying and strengthening us. Paul wrote in Romans 8:18, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” As we “Stand fast in the Lord.” we can overcome discouragement, as we recognize that our God is a powerful God, and not grow weary in our trials. We are reminded that these things will help me become like Christ (1 John 3:2) and we enjoy endless companionship with Christ (John 14:3). “Standing fast in the Lord,” also helps us to overcome doubt in our minds and hearts. This comes when we focus to much on our own humanity, and are tempted to make God a liar. There is a place for self-examination, but eh purpose of that self-examination is not to revel in doubt, but to know that we are of the truth, and assure our hearts before Him. My friends, remember that God’s calling cannot be revoked, His inheritance cannot be defiled, His foundation cannot be shaken, and His seal cannot be broken.
