June 23rd

You've Got Mail

Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. Revelation 3:10-11

Have you been trying hard?

You know what I'm talking about. Have you been pressing in, praying it up, seeking the Lord, living for Him? Have you hidden His Word in your heart? Have you been put-

ting action to the love you profess?

Yes, you have? Oh, good, then I have one more question: Is it always easy?

Ah, I didn't think so, and I will tell you why. You were born into a war. When you became a believer in Jesus, you switched sides in the war. And the more you pursued Jesus, the less like everyone else you became. In a word, you became weird.

There is something strange about you. You do not fit in with the people around you. It's not that you don't like each other, though there are some who are particularly hostile. It's more that you simply are not interested in the same things. You have different passions in life that capture your attention, devotion, and time-and it shows.

It has cost you to maintain this distinction-this holiness-between you and everyone else. It has cost you socially at work, perhaps to the point of missing promotions or raises that you could have received, but didn't because your priorities pulled you elsewhere. Or maybe it has cost you social standing and the niceties of life as you decided to be a one-income home so that you could be more hands-on in raising your children.

If nothing else, then certainly you know the familiar words, Oh, yeah, I'm a Christian, too, and you have learned to wait before you embrace them as a true brother or sister in the Lord. You know all too well that most people who have said these words to you are merely church-goers whose lives look just like everyone else. They aren't different like you.

What has made the cost worth it? You know that Jesus is coming again soon, and when He comes, He will crown you with rewards for your faithfulness.

You are determined to be found faithful. That is why you persevere.

Prayer Lord Jesus,

Thank You that You are coming soon! I choose to persevere in living for You. Please give me wisdom and strength to live strong and finish strong.

Amen