By Shane Kastler
The Bible tells us to be steadfast. Another way of saying that is to say we are to persevere. We are to press on. We are to endure patiently. “Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NASB) But a call to steadfastness implies something else. It implies suffering. A call to perseverance, implies pain because you don't have to persevere through something that's easy. Suffering is a guaranteed aspect of life. So steadfastness is called for, lest the suffering destroy you. But how do you remain steadfast in the midst of suffering? How do you persevere?
The Apostle Paul suffered more than most people. The Lord showed him, at the beginning of his Christian life, “all that he must suffer for the sake of my Name.” (Acts 9:16) He would go from city to city preaching the gospel. He would also go from city to city getting beat up. Getting arrested and thrown in jail. Getting ridiculed by the Jewish leaders and getting persecuted by the Romans. But he persevered by finding his strength in the Lord.
The world will tell you to find power by looking within. The world is wrong. True power to overcome is found by looking outside of yourself unto the Lord Jesus Christ, who told his disciples that they would suffer severe persecution, even unto death. And still they followed him. He promised to empower them with the indwelling Holy Spirit, who would guide them into all truth. Who would give them the words to say when they stood before their accusers. And who would encourage their hearts when circumstances looked dire. The same Lord who sustained them, sustains believers today.
The Lord calls you to be “steadfast” in the face of whatever obstacles stand before you today. Maybe you won't be persecuted for your faith. Maybe you will be. Nevertheless, suffering in some form is a hallmark of life. When it comes, will you wither? Or will you flourish? It depends on where you look, or more specifically, to whom you look for strength. The world doesn't have the answers. The Lord does. Look to him and find the supernatural power necessary to stand strong in the midst of inevitable suffering.
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