Sunday, 2nd August 2020
Rev Daniel Xi An Poon
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (II Corinthians 4:17)
If God wants us to arise and shine, what would our characters be for God to use us? Rev Daniel shared with us the story of a clam farmer, who was looking for sand to go inside the clams. The sand will stay in the dark shells, being polished and washed over, and finally, become the beautiful pearl that goes on the crown of a queen.
It’s a painful process and there is a price to be paid to arise and shine. But at the end, the sand that did not want to stay inside the clam will eventually become dust and washed away in the ocean. Do we want to turn from somebody to nobody or from nobody to somebody? It’s easy to quit and to go back to our old life when challenges come against us. Often we would give ourselves an excuses and said, “we made the decision too quickly.”
But if we don’t continue on this path we would never see what God has prepared for us ahead. If God put us where we are, the we will have the ability to persevere through all things. God is our guide and He will lead us.
The famous writer Samuel Johnson said, “great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance.”
And the well-known Scientist, Albert Einstein, also said, “it’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.”
So what the Bible says about perseverance?
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” The Good News: In life, we will face hardships. … With the Lord as our guide, we can persevere through all things.”
What is the biblical definition of perseverance?
Definition of perseverance: continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition; the action or condition or an instance of persevering; steadfastness.
Who showed perseverance in the Bible?
Joseph was by no means perfect, yet his faith and biblical grit is an example of one greater than him who was to come—Jesus Christ. Christ demonstrated true perseverance and determination for us on the cross. As Christian people, we are able to find strength and hope in Jesus and challenge in the example of Joseph.
Bible taught us to never backslide and never give up. Just like Joseph, he believed God ruled and reigned in his life, even though bad things happened to him but he still believed. When he saw his brothers, he showed love instead of judgement.
Jesus was willing to come down from Heaven to the world to die and save us, even though we ran away, rebel against Him and put Him on the cross. When He resurrected, He saw Peter disobeying His commands and took the other disciples back to their old life, Jesus was not angry but He showed love. This love changed Peter’s life.
Only love can solve all the problems, and help us to preserve to the end. Hold onto God’s love now, and He will lead us through all the darkness, to arise and shine!