The proof we are His chosen is not simply carrying The Cross…It’s enduring The Cross!

Many pick up the Cross for a while, only to abandon it after the cumbersome pain it brings. Many want the benefit of Calvary without the cost of Calvary. Paul knew what laid ahead in his walk with God, yet, he was willing to go all the way to the end. At the end of his departure in this life, he was able to look back, and this is what he had to say to Timothy, and the rest of us:

“But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”  2Timothy 4:5-8 (KJV)

Paul admonished Timothy to, ENDURE AFFLICTIONS…In other words, when we start this race, we’ve got to fight to the finish. He that endures to the end, the same shall be saved (Jesus). When the Cross becomes heavy, allow it to drive you to your knees, and remember, WE NEED HIM…EVERY MOMENT OF OUR LIFE. If you don’t feel the weight, it’s not a true Cross. Hold on to the unchanging hand of the Lord, and allow His Grace to KEEP YOU in this vapor of a life we are living on Earth. Heaven Awaits.

“For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.”  2Co 4:15-18 (ESV)