Always Keep Your Eyes On The Prize

 August 5

"You therefore must endure hardship
as a good soldier of Jesus Christ."
2 Timothy 2:3

vs 8-9:
"Remember that Jesus Christ, of the seed of David,
was raised from the dead according to my gospel
FOR WHICH I SUFFER TROUBLE AS AN EVILDOER
even to the point of chains."

We see the day approaching in which we will perhaps suffer persecution for our witness. We need to determine beforehand whether we will endure it, or whether we will back down in fear, and that decision must not be made lightly because persecution can be terrible.

God is preparing a people who will be faithful no matter what. We must keep in mind that this life is short and will soon be behind us, and we will have the joy and wonder of heaven for all eternity. But while we are here, we must determine in our hearts that we WILL be faithful - no matter what.

There's a story I heard of a Christian family who were being executed because of their faith. The children began to cry, but the father said this to them, "Don't cry, children, tonight we will have supper with Jesus." He kept his eyes on the prize and indeed they did have supper with Jesus that night. And the joy they have for their faithfulness with be with them FOR ALL ETERNITY.

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE.

Search your heart to know what your gifts and callings are, then start using them for God's glory. If you aren't strong enough in him to do this now, how on earth will you be strong enough to suffer for him? Strengthen yourself by SPENDING TIME with him in prayer every day and fill yourself with his Word. If you do this now, there will be nothing that will be able to stop you.