But I have kept the faith

Paul kept faith in the good as in the bad times.

In his last days Paul could boast : "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept faith" (2 Timothy 4: 7). Think of Paul's testimony at that time. He could say : "Satan sent his messengers to fight me in Jerusalem, Damascus, Asia, Ephesus, Antioch and Corinth. But I have kept faith.

"He tried to drown me in the stormy Mediterranean. Three times, I was wrecked, tossed in the depths night and day. But I have kept faith.

"Five times the Jews have whipped me thirty-nine blows. I was thrown into prison, three times I was beaten with rods, stoned and left for dead. But I have kept faith.

"I faced perils in the country and in the cities, in the desert and on the sea. I was robbed by my fellow citizens. I was put in peril by false brethren. But I have kept faith.

"I was extremely tired at times, suffering in my body, enduring sleepless nights. I was hungry and thirsty, I was cold and I was in destitution, heavily laden with worries of all kinds. But I have kept faith.

"I was troubled on all sides, in distress and persecuted, but never defeated. I have never been shaken in my faith. In all this, my trust in my Lord has never been destroyed" (see 2 Corinthians 11: 23-28).

Beloved, do not fall because of the devil's lies when you endure trials, rebukes or problems. Do not let a root of bitterness enter your heart and begin to nurture anger toward God : "Why does the Lord allow this ? I really tried to please Him, to trust Him. Why does He let me down ? "God warned us against such moments : "Do not let this happen. Be rather persevering, prudent, firm in confidence. If you do, you will get a great reward in return." (Hebrews 10: 35-36 paraphrased)

Remember that He said to you, "Call upon me in the day of trouble ; I will deliver you, and you will glorify me" (Psalms 50:15). May you remain faithful to invoke it in your ordeal. Get rid of your worries about Him, always !

David Wilkerson