My son, Landon’s, first year of wrestling he got thrown around the mat most of the time. It had to be discouraging yet he remained faithful and persevered…
Jesus is sharing about life getting tough for the disciples and His future followers. He says many will come to deceive (v5), there will be wars and rumors of wars (v6), nations will be against each other, famine, diseases, natural disasters will take place (v7), and persecution will happen (v9). Jesus then says, “And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.” Matthew 24:12
It gets hard when things get tough. This could be any season of life when you feel like you are losing and don’t know if there’s a sun on the other side of the clouds. Let me assure you it’s there and so is THE SON!
Landon could have quit and thrown in the towel but today he is a better wrestler than he ever has been. He persevered. He endured. He didn’t lose heart. “Therefore we do not lose heart...” 2 Corinthians 4:16
Spiritually we are called to not lose heart. Yes, times will come and in ways are here now where wrong is called right, sin is called fun, and crooked things are called straight. Don’t let that make your love grow cold or your heart grow callous. We are equipped to love an empty world by spending time with a loving Father in prayer and devotion. His love sticks to us, fills us, and transforms us so we can endure and persevere. “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.