Faithful for the Long Haul

Sold-out Christians who have been hard-working, so perseverant and hand-to-the-plow focused, may have forgotten the excitement of serving Jesus, stepping out in faith to see God do big things in our small efforts. Being uncomfortable in their walk at times to allow a personal faith in God to expand the Kingdom.

Willie Robertson and his Uncle Si from Duck Dynasty were on a sitcom last week for a guest appearance. One of the characters on the show was questioning the meaning of life and they gave him scripture and God's solution to life's purpose. Even quoted a chapter and verse out of Mark. Mostly, I was impressed that Willie and Si did not forget why they were Christians - even when being paid to memorized a couple lines and be on Prime Time television.

I have seen people who have been in the ministry for over thirty years still excited about their work. How do they do this? And when we learn the right steps to take, can we stay committed to live our faith?

I have learned that it comes down to two basic disciplines:

1. Having a purposeful prayer life

2. Remaining faithful to reading the Bible

American culture tells us that God doesn't matter and living for yourself is the most important thing. It is an empty existence, though, and never satisfies the soul. Not to mention, doesn't guarantee you a home in Heaven when you die as well as peace, joy and hope while you live. It doesn't make sense to those far from God. It takes a real step of faith, but when Christians are bold about their faith and encouraging to others, it is not as scary to the unbeliever.

Romans 1:16-17 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Photo by David Goldman on Unsplash