Seeking Jesus First Mar. 14, 2025

Without faith in God and in His word, spiritual growth comes to a halt.

“Now as Jannes and Jambres resisted Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, disapproved concerning the faith; but they will progress no further, for their folly will be manifest to all, as theirs also was. But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:8–17, NKJV)

We must stand and walk by faith in order to make it through all obstacles. Paul honored Timothy for following his doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, love and patient endurance in the face of persecutions and afflictions. Jesus said that we would face tribulation and persecution in this world. However he told us not to focus on it, but to give our attention to Him for He has already overcome the world. We are told later in Scripture that we overcome the world the same way that Jesus did - by faith.

Perseverance is a crucial part of our walk of faith. There are times when we just want to lie down and quit. But this is not the way faith acts. Faith sees the future end goal as though it is already possessed. Faith acts like nothing can sway it from the promise. Faith stays focused on Christ Jesus and His word in spite of temporary circumstances. Faith is full of love and hope and make persecutions and afflictions seem light in comparison.

When we see someone shrugging off the cares and pains of the world, we do not need to assume that they do not feel anything. They may even be like Paul exclaiming, “What persecutions I endured!”, but, like Paul, they are making it through by faith, looking forward to the testimony of victory so they can write about it in a letter or book. Be encouraged in your faith today. “He who promised is faithful, who also will do it.”