Remain Faithful
A Personal Journey
The day I got saved at 11 years old, I came home (with nobody around) and went straight to my knees. Then, I prayed a prayer very similar to King Solomon’s, even though I didn’t know his story yet. I simply asked God to help me please Him, do what is right, reach souls, and never become a stumbling block to others. To my amazement, God affirmed my prayer through His Word in 2 Chronicles 1:11-12*. I opened it and saw where he simply said – OKAY!
It was a great start. However, as we see with Solomon—who started well but later strayed into sin—starting strong is not enough. We must finish strong.
In the word of God – we find these words – and these passages are directly tied together.
Rev 2:10 says, “…be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
And in Rev 21 it says, in verse 17 “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” In verse 8 “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”
That second verse we may not hear often – but know we must bear some responsibility for our souls. It is not the pastor’s job to be sure we are not lying, cheating, stealing, fornicating, killing, or deceiving or committing abominable acts. (I needed to say that for clarity). Unlike Solomon, my race/our race is still on going. To make it to the end successfully – we Must do things God’s way. We Must …
Remain Faithful to God.
Remaining faithful to God involves continually nurturing your relationship with Him through consistent spiritual practices, obedience, and community. Scripture says – “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJV) Some commandments are easy to follow (I don’t mean everything Old Testament). I mean like when Jesus spoke to the woman caught in adultery (missing the man..but). He said – “Go and Sin No More.” in John 8:11. Sometimes we miss that part. We must finish our race Strong. What does that look like (in general)?
Unwavering Trust. Believing in God’s character and promises, even when the future is uncertain, or when prayers feel unanswered.
Active Obedience. Striving to follow His commands (which the scriptures say – are not grievous to us -1 Joh 5:3) – in both large and small decisions – Out of Love and Reverence.
Cultivate Spiritual Fruit. Demonstrating Love, Faith, Patience, Self Control, which all come as you grow and mature. (See Galatians 5:22-23 for the full list of the fruits.)
Consistency. Showing Dedication to God in your daily walk. Putting God First. Practically – this may look like Praying, spending time with God in His word, and serving others. Essentially, the roots of discipleship.
Everyone is different. Everyone has a different path – but the qualifications on that path Remain the same for all people. Remaining Faithful to God does not mean Being perfect. It means Trusting in God’s Faithfulness. Believing HIS Word is true. Then, taking responsibility for your soul – and doing all you know to do that he said, and repenting if you missed the mark. (Remember Ecc 9:11 “The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong,”… we have seen this all throughout scripture. Paul said 2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Finish Your Race. Stay in the lane set for you and meet the qualifications to Finish Strong! Remain faithful in the things God called YOU to do – and you will receive a crown of life. THAT Crown – is awarded to those who remain steadfast in their love for (and obedience towards) God through earthly trials, temptations, and suffering. YOU GOT THIS!!!!
AM
*2 Chronicles 1:11-12 NIV
God said to Solomon, “Since this is your heart’s desire and you have not asked for wealth, possessions or honor, nor for the death of your enemies, and since you have not asked for a long life but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people over whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge will be given you. And I will also give you wealth, possessions and honor, such as no king who was before you ever had and none after you will have.”