Revelation 3:10 “’Because you have kept the word of My perseverance, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, that hour which is about to come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.’”
RUNNING
I have several friends who run marathons. Why? I don’t know! I guess they just love to run. And they run long distances. I gave up running years ago after I had a knee injury and a bad hip. At least that’s my excuse.
In order to run a marathon you can’t just decide one day to run 26.2 miles. You have to train. You have to build up to it. You start out small and add more and more distance until you reach your goal. It’s kind of like eating an elephant – one bite at a time.
The verse today talks about perseverance. That word means to bear up under, to endure, to persevere. The Lord is telling the Church of Philadelphia that He will keep and guard them because they have kept the word of His perseverance. They have believed God. They have trusted Him. They have endured the testing and trials sent their way.
TEACHING MOMENT
Your children are going to have tests and trials. They are going to be tempted to quit. Don’t let them. Show them this verse. Show them that as we persevere, God is there to guard and protect us. As we endure hardships, God is there to keep us from further judgment. We just have to keep trusting and keep following Him, no matter what.
What trial has your child faced lately? Was it a life or death struggle? Most are not! Most of the trials our children face are really miniscule in the eyes of eternity. But to them they are gigantic. They don’t think they will survive. It always helps to put our trials in perspective. But don’t expect your kids to quite understand that yet. Help them to trust right where they are.
A Moment In Time 