Revelation chapter 2: verses 2-3 (NIV)
I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary.
The Cambridge Dictionary on-line gives the definition of to persevere as “to continue making an effort to do or achieve something, even when this is difficult or takes a long time.” I well remember Hugh Black talking on more than one occasion about the need for Christians, especially those young in the faith, to have “stickability” as he put it. My dad always encouraged me to “stick in and show them what you’re made of “. He was always a great cheerleader on my behalf
Too often in this present time its all to easy for people to grow weary and give up if there are no instant rewards for whatever it is we are doing. Jesus sees and knows all of our efforts and He encourages the church to continue in the way that they should. I find it really encouraging to know that He is cheering us on, and I think that this is another reminder of the need for us to encourage other Christians (and anyone else who crosses our path) to continue in the way that has been mapped out for them. The benefits of a word of encouragement can never be underestimated.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for always encouraging us on in the road You have mapped out for us. Help me too to be quick to encourage others. Amen.