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DEVOTION / Pray for perseverance

DEVOTION / Pray for perseverance

Blog, Devotions

Radio interview

I recently heard Joni Eareckson Tada on the radio. For those that don't know her, she is a Christian lady who has spent most of her life in a wheelchair due to a diving accident. For many years now, she has run a ministry for the handicapped. She talked about what she says when people ask her how they can pray for her. Her answer: pray for perseverance.

I thought that was a great answer. And an answer we would do well to apply for our own lives.

316NOW seeks to share the message of our Savior Jesus with people far across our globe. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, lives are touched and changed.

Imagine the challenges faced by these believers. Already years ago, outreach to these millions of souls was difficult. Their government has been cracking down even harder in the last couple of years. Steeples have been knocked down, churches raided, speakers silenced, and more persecution threatened.

Yet through it all, the Word of God continues to spread by God's grace. 316NOW is blessed to be a part of that growth of the gospel.

Praise the Lord; pray for perseverance

I doubt that it is easy for us to understand how challenging being a Christian there has to be. However, let us not forget to praise the Lord for the spread of his Word and for these souls that he has rescued from darkness.

One way we can support these brave men, women, and children is by praying for them to persevere through their trials.

Consider these Bible passages that encourage perseverance:

  • Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers (1 Timothy 4:16).

  • You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised (Hebrews 10:36).

  • Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him (James 1:12).

  • You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name and have not grown weary (Revelation 2:3).

Truly the Lord has his eyes on those he loves. Let us support our fellow believers as we have opportunity.

Prayer thought

Dear Lord, we pray for perseverance for your saints around the world. Give them — and us — strength in our trials and bravery in the face of opposition. Cheer us with the gospel of Jesus and the promise of our eternal home.

Source: Dave Payne