Persevere
Scripture Focus: John 15:18-19; Acts 5:27-42
This is a new series of the commands our Lord Jesus Christ gave. I understand this is very limited, and I will get to each of these in greater detail as I move through this adventure. This blog is the last of five messages.
Jesus warns us, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you” (John 15:18). Following Him isn’t always easy. Trials and opposition come. Yet, as part of His commands (Matthew 28:20), Jesus calls us to persevere, trusting Him through challenges. The early church shows us how.
In Acts 5:27-42, the apostles are arrested and beaten for preaching Jesus, yet they rejoice, “counted worthy to suffer” for Him. John 16:33 promises, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Christians face rejection, mockery, or worse, especially baptized disciples devoted to Jesus (Acts 2:42).
James 1:12 promises, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial… they will receive the crown of life.” We persevere by fixing our eyes on Jesus, “the author and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:1-2), who endured the cross for us. The apostles’ joy in suffering came from knowing Jesus was worth it.
When you face challenges for your faith, whether at work, school, or home, pray for strength and focus on Jesus. Connect with other believers for encouragement, as the early church did. Share your struggles with a trusted friend or pastor. Perseverance isn’t about our strength; it’s about trusting Jesus, who is with us to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).