7 Churches of RevelationSample

Enduring Faithfulness is a Present Decision

Devotional:

In Revelation 2:18-29 Jesus, through John, addresses the church in Thyatira. The church in Thyatira is commended for their faithfulness, love, and endurance. Yet, there are those among them who have been enticed into obvious sin and the church is doing little to nothing about it. While it is good that the church as a whole is known for their love and good works, that doesn’t erase the sinful practices they are essentially turning a blind eye to.

God had given time for repentance for the believers caught up in these destructive behaviors, but it still hasn’t happened. And if we’re being honest, the same can be true of us when we don’t take the time to ask God to reveal sin in our own lives.

Sometimes our sin is due to us knowingly and deliberately disobeying God. Other times we can take on the values and ideologies of our culture that dishonor God without recognizing it. Sometimes our sin is due to complacency, not because we set out to turn from God. In fact, many times ongoing sin in our lives continues not because we don’t care, but because we don’t think about it

Ultimately, Jesus invites believers to join Him in His rule over all things. This is an encouragement to all followers of Christ, especially during difficult times. This is the reward for those who endure in their faith. For those who endure, God’s grace and redemption awaits.

But endurance in the faith doesn’t happen by accident. It’s an intentional decision to follow Jesus and turn to Him when we fall short. In other words, enduring faithfulness is a present decision. What we do today determines where our faith will be tomorrow. 

Today’s challenge:

What is one thing you need to trust God with and endure faithfully today? Do one thing that tangibly demonstrates your trust in Him.