Beloved elders, chosen and called by God, hear the word of the Lord spoken over you today. You are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses—Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and countless others—who ran their race in unwavering faith, never doubting the faithfulness of the One who called them. They stand as silent witnesses, testifying to God’s goodness and urging you to take hold of the inheritance of faith that has been entrusted to you. As they pressed forward in faith, so too are you called to press on, unwavering and undistracted, toward the upward call of Christ.

The Spirit of the Lord declares over you today: Lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and run with endurance the race set before you, looking only to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:1-2, AMP). The hour is urgent, and the call is clear—press in, draw near, and let nothing of this world hinder the mighty work God is doing through you. For the Lord is with you, and His Spirit is upon you; He is calling you deeper, summoning you to walk the path of purity and power, to fix your eyes solely on Him, and to bring His glory to the earth through unshakable faith and obedience.

This is a holy calling, not for the faint of heart. Yet you are not alone; the Lord Himself is your strength and shield. As Moses forsook the treasures of Egypt for the promise of God, so too you are called to reject the fleeting allure of the world and to embrace the treasures of heaven. Like Abraham, who stepped out in faith not knowing where he was going, so too you are called to trust in God’s guidance, moving forward in faith even in the face of uncertainty. For He who calls you is faithful, and He will fulfill His promises.

The Word of the Lord speaks to you today, saying: Be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord [always doing your best and doing more than is needed], being continually aware that your labor [even to the point of exhaustion] in the Lord is not futile nor wasted [it is never without purpose] (1 Corinthians 15:58, AMP). The Lord sees your faithfulness and delights in your heart of surrender. He is not blind to your sacrifices; He is not deaf to your prayers. Every step of obedience, every act of love, every moment of faith—these are the offerings that please Him, and they are building a legacy of glory that will resound in eternity.

Rise up, elders of the church, for the Spirit of the Lord is upon you! He has anointed you, appointed you, and strengthened you to lead His people into deeper communion with Him. The world will not understand your calling, for it is a holy calling, set apart for His glory. Do not be swayed by the opinions of man, nor distracted by the cares of this life. As Noah built the ark in reverence and obedience, though the world mocked him, so too you must be unwavering in your obedience to God, confident that He is faithful to fulfill every word He has spoken.

Press on, beloved, toward the prize set before you, for Jesus Himself is your reward, your strength, and your crown. This is the high calling—to know Him, to walk with Him, to serve Him with a pure and undivided heart. As the Apostle Paul proclaimed, “I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14, AMP), so too let this be your proclamation. Press on, not as one uncertain, but as one whose eyes are set on the Author and Perfecter of your faith.

Today, I declare over you: the God of all grace, who called you to His own eternal glory in Christ, will Himself complete, confirm, strengthen, and establish you (1 Peter 5:10, AMP). As you press forward in faith, He will lift you up, sustaining you by His Spirit, equipping you for every good work, and carrying you from glory to glory. He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, and He will not leave you nor forsake you.

Stand firm, beloved elders, for the Spirit of God is upon you, and His Word is alive within you. Take hold of this mantle with holy reverence, casting aside every weight, pressing on with endurance, and keeping your eyes firmly fixed on Jesus. For He is your hope, your peace, your joy, and your victory. And on the day He returns, you will receive the crown of glory that never fades, and you will hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Amen and amen.

Perseverance in the Old Testament

Joshua 6:13 and 15 provide a powerful example of perseverance. The Israelites, under Joshua’s leadership, circled Jericho for seven days as God had commanded. Their unwavering obedience, despite the unusual strategy, culminated in the miraculous collapse of the city walls. “And seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the LORD went on continually and blew with the trumpets: and the armed men went before them; but the rearward came after the ark of the LORD, the priests going on, and blowing with the trumpets” (Joshua 6:13). This story illustrates that perseverance in following God’s instructions leads to divine intervention and victory. Similarly, in 1 Kings 18:44, we see the prophet Elijah’s persistent faith. Despite seeing no immediate results, Elijah continued praying for rain. He sent his servant to look for a sign seven times, demonstrating unwavering faith until the breakthrough came. Elijah’s perseverance in prayer teaches us the importance of relentless faith in seeking God’s intervention. Judges 8:4 highlights Gideon’s perseverance. Gideon and his three hundred men, though exhausted, continued to pursue the enemy until they achieved victory. This passage underscores the need for persistence in fulfilling God’s mission, even when faced with fatigue and challenges.

Moreover, the story of the Shunammite woman in 2 Kings 4:30 reflects her steadfast belief in God’s power. When her son died, she persistently sought out Elisha, refusing to leave without him. “And the mother of the child said, As the LORD liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her” (2 Kings 4:30). Her determination led to the miraculous restoration of her son’s life. This narrative emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith and persistence in seeking God’s intervention. Elisha’s interaction with the king in 2 Kings 13:19 further illustrates the consequences of incomplete perseverance. Elisha reprimands the king for not fully striking the ground with arrows, which limited his victory over Aram. “And the man of God was wroth with him, and said, Thou shouldest have smitten five or six times; then hadst thou smitten Syria till thou hadst consumed it: whereas now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice” (2 Kings 13:19). This story serves as a reminder that partial perseverance can restrict the blessings and victories we receive. Job 17:9 declares that the righteous will hold to their ways and grow stronger. Job’s declaration amidst his suffering highlights the importance of perseverance in righteousness. “The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger” (Job 17:9). By remaining steadfast in our faith, we grow spiritually stronger and closer to God. In Psalm 119:33, the psalmist seeks God’s guidance to keep His statutes to the end. This verse is a plea for strength to persevere in following God’s commandments. “Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end” (Psalm 119:33). It reminds us that seeking divine guidance is crucial for maintaining steadfastness in our faith journey.

Perseverance in the New Testament

The New Testament further emphasizes the importance of enduring faith. Jesus assures in Matthew 24:13 that those who endure to the end will be saved, highlighting the need for steadfastness in the face of trials. “But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13). This promise encourages believers to remain faithful, knowing that perseverance leads to salvation. Matthew 18:16 underscores the principle of perseverance in resolving conflicts. Jesus advises persistence in seeking reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of persevering in maintaining healthy relationships. “But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established” (Matthew 18:16). This teaching encourages us to be persistent in our efforts to resolve disputes and foster unity. The friends of the paralyzed man in Mark 2:4 show remarkable perseverance. They overcame obstacles to bring their friend to Jesus, demonstrating relentless faith. “And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay” (Mark 2:4). Their determination resulted in their friend’s healing, illustrating that perseverance in seeking Jesus leads to miraculous outcomes.

Luke 1:75 calls believers to live in holiness and righteousness before God all our days. “In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life” (Luke 1:75). This verse is a testament to enduring faithfulness, encouraging us to persevere in our commitment to living a holy life. It highlights that perseverance in righteousness is a lifelong journey. Similarly, Luke 5:19 illustrates perseverance in action. The determination to lower the paralyzed man through the roof to reach Jesus shows relentless faith. “And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus” (Luke 5:19). This narrative encourages us to overcome obstacles in our pursuit of Jesus, knowing that perseverance leads to divine intervention. In Luke 11:8, Jesus teaches persistence in prayer. He assures that perseverance in prayer will be rewarded, encouraging believers to continue praying fervently. “I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth” (Luke 11:8). This teaching underscores the importance of persistent prayer in our spiritual lives. John 8:31 defines true discipleship as abiding in Jesus’ word. “Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (John 8:31). This definition emphasizes the necessity of spiritual perseverance. Remaining in Jesus’ teachings requires ongoing commitment and dedication.

Paul’s Encouragement to Persevere

Acts 13:43 shows Paul and Barnabas encouraging believers to continue in the grace of God. “Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God” (Acts 13:43). This exhortation highlights the importance of perseverance in faith, urging us to remain steadfast in our relationship with God. In Acts 26:22, Paul testifies of receiving help from God to continue preaching despite numerous trials. “Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great” (Acts 26:22). His perseverance in ministry serves as a powerful example of enduring faithfulness in the face of adversity. Romans 2:7 speaks of seeking glory, honor, and immortality through patient continuance in doing good. “To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life” (Romans 2:7). Paul emphasizes that perseverance in good deeds is essential for receiving God’s rewards. Romans 11:22 highlights the importance of continuing in God’s kindness. “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off” (Romans 11:22). This verse warns against falling away, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith and commitment to God. Galatians 6:9 encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good, for in due time, they will reap if they do not give up. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9). This verse serves as a reminder to persevere in our good works, trusting that God’s rewards will come in His perfect timing. Ephesians 6:18 speaks of praying always with perseverance. “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:18). This instruction is part of the spiritual armor, highlighting the necessity of steadfast prayer in standing firm against spiritual challenges. Colossians 2:6 urges believers to continue living in Christ as they received Him. “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him” (Colossians 2:6). This verse emphasizes the importance of ongoing faithfulness and perseverance in our relationship with Jesus. 2 Thessalonians 3:13 exhorts believers not to become weary in doing good. “But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing” (2 Thessalonians 3:13). This encouragement reinforces the theme of perseverance, urging us to remain committed to our good deeds. 1 Timothy 4:16 advises Timothy to persevere in doctrine and teaching for the salvation of himself and his hearers. “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee” (1 Timothy 4:16). This instruction underscores the importance of steadfastness in spiritual leadership and teaching. 2 Timothy 3:14 encourages Timothy to continue in what he has learned and firmly believed. “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (2 Timothy 3:14). This exhortation highlights the necessity of perseverance in holding to sound doctrine and faith.

The Call to Persevere in Hebrews and James

Hebrews 3:6 calls believers to hold firmly to their confidence and hope until the end. “But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end” (Hebrews 3:6). This verse emphasizes the importance of steadfast faith in remaining part of God’s house. Hebrews 4:14 urges believers to hold fast to their confession, as we have a great high priest, Jesus. “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession” (Hebrews 4:14). This call to perseverance highlights the necessity of unwavering faith in Jesus. Hebrews 6:11 encourages believers to show diligence until the full assurance of hope is realized. “And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end” (Hebrews 6:11). This verse underscores the importance of perseverance in our spiritual journey. Hebrews 12:1 calls believers to run with endurance the race set before them, laying aside every weight. “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1). This verse emphasizes the necessity of perseverance in overcoming spiritual challenges. James 1:25 speaks of the one who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, being blessed in their deeds. “But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed” (James 1:25). This verse highlights the importance of perseverance in following God’s commandments.

The Call to Persevere in Peter, John, and Revelation

1 Peter 1:13 calls believers to prepare their minds for action and be sober-minded, setting their hope fully on the grace to be brought at the revelation of Jesus Christ. “Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:13). This exhortation emphasizes the importance of perseverance in maintaining spiritual readiness. 1 John 2:19 indicates that perseverance is a mark of true faith, as those who went out from us were not of us. “They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us” (1 John 2:19). This verse highlights the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith community. 1 John 2:24 urges believers to let what they heard from the beginning abide in them, ensuring they will abide in the Son and the Father. “Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father” (1 John 2:24). This verse underscores the necessity of perseverance in holding to the foundational teachings of the faith. Revelation 2:3 commends the church of Ephesus for persevering and enduring hardships for Christ’s name. “And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted” (Revelation 2:3). This verse highlights the importance of perseverance in facing trials and maintaining faith. Revelation 3:11 exhorts believers to hold fast what they have so that no one may take their crown. “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Revelation 3:11). This call to perseverance emphasizes the importance of remaining steadfast in our faith to receive God’s rewards.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the call to persevere until the end is a powerful and essential aspect of our Christian faith. As we have seen through the many examples in both the Old and New Testaments, unwavering faith and steadfastness lead to divine intervention, blessings, and ultimately, salvation. Let us commit to following God with relentless determination, holding fast to His promises and trusting that He will see us through every challenge. May we remain steadfast, knowing that perseverance in our faith journey is not only a testament to our commitment but also a pathway to experiencing God’s fullness in our lives.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the strength and guidance You provide us daily. We ask for Your grace to remain steadfast in our faith, persevering through every trial and challenge. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You, trusting in Your promises and drawing strength from Your Word. May we be encouraged by the examples of perseverance in Scripture, and may our lives reflect unwavering faith and commitment to You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Psalm 133

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Pressing Towards Glory

See Also

Persevering Until the End