Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.”  NASB

The passage of Scripture that led me back to this verse is found in 2 Corinthians 4.  In verses 8-10, 16 and 5:1.  There we find a discussion or revelation regarding our earthly lives, bodies, and the problems we face in life.  In the days in which Israel endured bondage in Egypt before God’s deliverance, they endured incredibly difficult times.  In Exodus 1:12 we find that the more they were afflicted the more they grew and multiplied.  It is a historical fact that the Church has grown greatly during times of intense persecution. 

In the Book of Acts, we find in Acts 4:4 that although the disciples were being imprisoned and persecuted 5,000 men turned to God at one time.  The devil has always attempted to hinder and stop God’s work through discoursing God’s people and getting them to give up.  Jesus told Peter in Luke 22:31 that the devil desired to have him and sift him as wheat, but that Jesus had prayed for Peter. 

The devil’s purpose is to steal, kill, and destroy but God’s purpose is life and one of the purposes for which Jesus came was to destroy the works of the devil.  If we are to do the works that He did and greater works through the power of the Holy Spirit, destroying the works of the devil is included.  God has promised to protect us and never leave us and in the face of persecution and difficulty, He is there!

I had a very seasoned man of God tell me, “Son, the greater the trial the more clearly you can see your weakness and the more God manifests His great strength.”  That resonated with me and has been a source of encouragement in times of difficulty and trial.  The Bible makes it clear that one of the results of trials and battles is that we become stronger.  No, we should not want trials but as James instructed, we should rejoice when they come and know that God can and will work something good in us as a result.  As we roll our care on Him, we receive His strength.

There are some things that are imperative for us to keep in the forefront of our minds and remember.

THE DEVIL CAN ONLY WIN IF WE QUIT.

Jesus is our victory and He has promised power over all the power and authority of the devil.  He has all power in heaven and on earth and has given us that power.  We are to live our lives in the strength of His Promise, Grace, Peace, Mercy, and Power.  Paul said, “I press toward the mark.”  He also said, “I have fought a good fight, kept the faith, and finished my course.”  If we are to obtain the prize, we must run the race.  There are no participation trophies in the Kingdom but there are rewards for obedience and perseverance.   Sitting in the audience will not gain us the prize and can allow the devil to win because of our inactivity and failure to become involved.

THERE IS A VICTORY PROMISED – But We Must Overcome the Obstacles. 

It may not sound like an encouragement or appealing to read 2 Timothy 3:12 but read it we must.  Not only do we need to read the words but embrace the truth and make our decision to never give up or give in.  It says, “And indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”  It does not say, might be persecuted it says that it is a fact, YOU WILL!

The words of James telling us to ‘count it all joy’ when temptations and persecutions come is amazing.  The reaction of the early church to persecution was, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer with and for Jesus.  They endured persecution even to death.  They faced resistance to their message and encountered much public disfavor, often seeing the inside of prisons.  Their response was to work hard, pray more, and preach with complete abandon.  They understand that the only way the enemy could win was for them to quit and quit they would never do.

One of the secrets to their success and endurance was, they were filled with the Holy Spirit.  They were led by the Spirit of God.  God had first place in their lives, and they made the cause of the Kingdom their top priority in life.  They worked in the church rather than working in the church when it was convenient.  They accepted the challenge before them, utilized the tools available and walked in faith trusting God completely.

It is vital that we never forget that the devil is a defeated foe.  Jesus defeated Him and we are in Christ, therefore we have power and authority over the devil because Jesus does.  The brief mention of Shamgar in the Book of Judges is powerful.  He got tired of being intimidated by the enemy and killed 600 Philistines with an ox goad.  The early Christians sometimes gave their lives for the Kingdom but refused to be defeated.  The victory is ours, but we must claim it.

Indifference is not allowable.  Because of the increase and abundance of sin, the Bible tells us that the love of many grows cold.  Many turn a deaf ear to the Gospel, but some are won if we present the Gospel to them, live righteously before them, and pray for them.  There is a price to pay for this victory that Jesus purchased for us but if we refuse to give up, WE WIN! 

We can have what we need from God and have the fullness of His victory manifest in our lives.  Never, never, never give up!

God bless you as you enjoy this wonderful day in Him!