ENDURE HARDSHIPS

Dearly Beloved, ENDURE HARDSHIPS "I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked men, 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. Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken your first love" (Revelation 2:2-4 NIV). In His letter to the seven churches in the Asia Minor, God commended the church in Ephesus for enduring hardship for His name. However, the commendation was short-lived because the church forsook its first love. Many people are like that church who would at first endure hardship and persecution because of being Christians but who would later, because of pressures around them give in to the hardship. The Lord has called each of us into this ministry of reconciliation. He backs His call with many promises that assure us that He is with us (Matthew 28:19-20; 1 Thessalonians 5:24). Nevertheless, persecutions may come. "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted..." (2 Timothy 3:12 NIV). In spite of this, we should not be afraid of any opposition or persecution. When persecution comes, we should remember that God knows how He will deliver us from such persecution. Apostle Peter said, "And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast" (1 Peter 5:10 NIV). When He does, we become stronger and purer in our faith (see 1 Peter 1:6-9; 2 Peter 2:9). Therefore, stand fast in the ministry God has called you into. He depends on you, and He will not let you down. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Help me, Lord, to be able to endure hardship to the end.