Today’s post is the first in a series on encouragement.

“The apostle Paul gave everything for Christ and experienced affliction, confusion, persecution, rejection, and heartache. In spite of all, he endured to the end. His body may have been struck down, but his soul was not destroyed.

You may or may not be experiencing persecution as a Christian. It could be that you’ve lost your home, are grappling with grief from a recent loss, fighting cancer, or caring for a challenging child or ailing family member. No matter what battle you’re fighting, you may reach a point where you want to quit. Don’t do it!

Jesus did not say that our walk would be easy; He said we are to take up His cross and follow Him. The cross is death to self and life in Christ. Every day, we need to die to ourselves. Instead of relying on our own strength, we rely on Christ; instead of serving self, we lay down our wants for another’s need; instead of placing on our trust in our money/wits/talent, we place it in the Lord. In this way, “the life of Jesus [is] manifested in our bodies.”

Running the race is difficult, but the reward is indescribable. Just remember, you only get the prize if you keep going to the end.

I encourage you to press on. Keep on lifting up your need to God in prayer. Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you”—Taken from Elihu’s Corner

Selah

Pastor Afolabi Oladele