The Assurance of Jesus’ Love: "Standing firm within the wickedness"
Matthew 24:12-13 “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
Today I feel the increase of wickedness around me; I sense it trying to weigh me down and convince me to throw in the towel. I relate to this text, I am experiencing the temptation not to be patient and I am struggling as the wickedness around me increases. However, I know that this wickedness is increasing because of the work I am doing in this place. I realize now why it is so easy to go through the motions and pretend I am doing the work of the Lord when really I am just doing the work of the Pharisees. I am reminded today that when I am doing the work of Christ, I’ve got a battle on my hands and the wickedness around me is going to increase and seek to take me out. Today, I choose to hold onto the promise that if I stand firm to the end I will be saved. Standing firm is not easy and it takes every ounce of courage I have to stand firm and be a light in the midst of this dark world.
Jesus, I come to you this morning as a sheep among wolves. I come to you in need of your abounding grace to cover me and protect me during this time of my life. Lord, I realize that I have a target on my chest; may your blood cover that target and protect me today. Renew my strength; I am tired and I need renewed. Give me the grace to stay focused today. Make a way for me today and do not allow the evil around me to keep me from moving forward. Hold me tight today and don’t let go that I may continue your work here. I thank you Lord for the promise of this text today and may you give me the grace to stand firm in your love with the assured confidence that through you I am saved. Amen.
Regardless of the circumstance, standing firm in Christ always leads to salvation.
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