Persistent Faith
This is something I chose to write about because it is what I feel I’m always giving a testimony about. I can’t tell you how many times Christ blessed me to overcome by holding on. I’m beginning to believe that my true calling in faith is not to write but to hold on—in everything—just keep holding on. I think I’m getting good at it now, to be honest.
Whenever someone asks me my advice for new Christians, I always say the same thing;
Never give up.
There is so much truth, so much confidence behind those three simple words. A Christian’s most powerful weapon is their faith. Your faith determines your attitude and your outlook in life. If you have great faith then you have a great outlook—nothing can bring you down, you can see the bright side in the darkest situation. I am not too proud to admit that I’m not always like that. Though I have gotten much stronger, I sometimes give in to the negative thoughts telling me I will not succeed, don’t even try, just give up now. But when you have the faith to say, yes, I can, then you’ve got everything you need.
Romans 12:2 NIV says “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.”
When times are tough the world says give up. When the odds are stacked against you the world says forget about it. When you attempt something great the world says don’t get your hopes up.
That scripture tells you to ignore all of that. Do not conform to negative thinking pattern of this world. Get some faith! When you have that, you will be able to testify what God has done for you. I have seen, with my own eyes, cancer healed by faith, broken bones healed by faith, jobs gained through faith, empty stomachs filled through faith, car accidents prevented by faith, and so much more. The Rebel Christian is a product of my own faith! It may seem small to some readers but honey you’re subscribed to a blog that’s got a one-way connection to Christ. You want a prayer to get through, this is the place to post them.
Imagine if Noah had listened to the world. Imagine if Jesus had listened to the world. Imagine if I had listened to the world.
Now ask yourself, are you listening to the world?
It might seem hard, it might seem impossible, it might not look the way you imagined in your head but that doesn’t mean God isn’t there. In case you haven’t realized it yet, Christ specializes in showing up in the middle of a storm. Just sit tight and enjoy the waves, let them rock you to sleep at night as Jesus calms the waters.
Holding on might seem tough at times but how do you know what you’re made of until you’ve been pushed to your limits? We didn’t know how dedicated Abraham was until God asked him to sacrifice his son. We didn’t know how patient Job was until he was tested through many trials and tribulations. We didn’t know how focused Paul was until he was arrested and wrote half the New Testament from damp quarters of a prison. We didn’t know just how much Jesus loved us until he was beaten, bloodied, and then crucified for people who whine at the slightest sign of dissatisfaction.
When you pray, don’t just throw your hands and say that’s it! My Christian duties are done for the day. No, they’ve only just begun. Pray and pray and pray and pray and pray. Never give up on asking God for what you need, what you want, and more. When it seems like you haven’t been answered, praise. Praise Christ for your blessing to come. Never be afraid to say thank you in advance!
Think of this scripture; “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12 NIV
That verse tells us one important thing
The Lord has promised a crown to those who love him, meaning… If we love Christ, we will endure.
So, when you face trials and tribulations, waiting periods, and times of growth, the love you have for Christ will become very clear. If you love Him, you will hold on. If you love Him, you will keep going. How dare you give up when Christ gave all. How dare you even think about giving up.
Why?
Because giving up is the same as saying Christ isn’t strong enough to help you. You can do ALL things with Christ. No matter what it is you are facing right now, Christ is bigger. When you understand that, you will know what true faith is. So, keep standing tall, keep pushing on, keep moving forward, even if you have to crawl through on all fours, know that Christ is right there beside you.