Many of us know the deteriorating effect of “cheating” when we are trying to give up a vice, or maintain a new positive habit. Whether it be sticking to a diet, or exercise routine, or quiting smoking, or foul language, “cheating” a little bit starts the process of breaking down our resolve, and it doesn’t take too long for us to be back at square one.
Peter writes about this in 1 Peter 2:11, “Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”
He is telling us to avoid those things that we know in our hearts or conscience, are not God’s will, because giving in will open up the opportunity for sin to begin breaking down our faith.
Dear Lord, as your children, we are foreigners in this world. There are many things in this world that are acceptable to others, but are not right for us, your children. Help us avoid these things, so that we may maintain our faith and hope for your salvation. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Amen! Even in our prayer life we sometimes get weary when we don’t see things changing but we should stay steadfast and wait upon the Lord. Being steadfast is hanging on to our faith.
It’s what every believer needs.
In the movie Return of the King, Sam is pleading with Frodo not to let go and fall into the lava. Frodo wants to let go but Sam pleads, “don’t let go”, “don’t you let go”.
This is what God is saying to believers. Don’t let go! Don’t you let go! Don’t give up! Even when it looks hopeless, “don’t let go”!
We don’t let go of our faith.
We read and hear of folks that during incredible odds that seem impossible for anyone to do they were able to do them. They had a will, drive, determination, mission, a resolve that no matter what, they would not give up.
I almost gave up recently about a serious matter but a Godly woman whom I don’t know personally spoke life into me and I went back to my prayer closet. Maintaining my Resolve. Amen!
Good word John!