“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33

Recently, I received an email from a brethren requesting for my assistance to help contribute to a book that he was currently writing. He was writing a book on tolerance and perseverance as basic Christian virtues. I gave him some points and a number of helpful hints. A few weeks later, he sent me a complete manuscript titled: “the debacle of perseverance and the Master’s approach”. First I was taken aback by the title of the script, and I asked him, why “the debacle” in perseverance? Looking through the script, I saw a chapter titled; “ Jesus attitude to perseverance” In that chapter, he quoted several authors and Theologians and then concluded that; God does not lead his children around hardship, but leads them straight through hardship. But he leads them no matter what! And amidst the hardship, he is nearer to them than ever before.” I agree totally with the brethren, more so after going through the rest of the chapter. Perseverance is a painful exercise no doubt, but God is in the midst of every problem to see us through. Life is hard for all of us and we all have so many questions and doubts and fears and worries. Even the best among us struggle with questions we cannot answer. So many people struggle with hurts and pains they can hardly express.

At this point beloved, I want you to take a critical look at the gospel of Jesus Christ and see what perfect example of perseverance the Master has given. Jesus endured pains and persevered under pressure. Although He was treated with contempt and put to death, the scriptures teach that Jesus won the crown in heaven and on earth. He is presently enthroned in heaven as the saving Lord and Master of the whole world. To rule with Jesus in heaven and on earth, we must believe in His power to save us. For instance, if you find yourself in a dark apartment and you try to navigate to the other rooms in the building; you definitely would slow down and move more carefully, one step at a time, being very careful not to collide with objects. Usually, what is upper most in your heart at that time is how to move to the next room. But you also know that you have to slow down and move gently in the dark. In other words, you do not race from one room to the other like you would normally do when there is light in the building. That is what life entails as well. In the midst of confusion and pains, we have to slow down, persevere and hold onto the Master who gives the inner light to navigate through. When we persevere like Jesus, the grace of God is made stronger in us and we are greatly assisted. Jesus won the crown through perseverance; therefore, in our dark nights, we must align our suffering with the wounds of the Master, and be patient for His healing balm to heal us inside out. The way to the crown is necessarily dark and turbulent, but the Master provides the light and the healing balm in the course of the journey.