WHERE ARE THE OTHERS?

 Exodus 17:1-7; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32

Introduction

Life is filled with challenges and obstacles, and it's easy to become discouraged or give up when things get tough. However, it is in those moments of difficulty that our true character is revealed, and our potential for growth is realized.

Michael Jordan is probably the greatest basketball player in the history of the game, and at one time he was asked about the so-called secret of his success. And Mr. Jordan answered by saying; “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I am so successful.” Mr. Jordan tells us in plain English that the key to his success was persistence.

The word "persistent" is a translation of the Greek word, "epimeno" which means to be constantly diligent; to attend assiduously; to adhere closely to; to continue instant in; to be steadfast with a person or thing. It is about a strong sense of continuous persistence toward achieving some activity.

This reminds me of the words of Winston Churchill, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that count." This sentiment holds a profound truth. Success is not a destination but a journey, and failure is not the end but a stepping stone towards success.

When we persist to the end, we demonstrate resilience and determination. We refuse to be defeated by setbacks, and we keep moving forward with unwavering faith in our God-given abilities for His purpose. It is this persistence that separates those who achieve greatness from those who fall short.

Great inventors succeeded through persistence. Think of the great inventors like Thomas Edison, who failed thousands of times before inventing the light bulb. Think of the civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., who faced tremendous adversity but never wavered in their pursuit of justice. Think of the athletes who train tirelessly for years to reach the pinnacle of their sport.

All of these individuals shared a common trait: they persisted to the end. They understood that success is not guaranteed and that the path to achievement is often paved with setbacks and disappointments. But they also knew that the only way to truly fail was to give up.

Jesus Christ taught us a lot about persisting toward the goal. Remember "The Parable of the Unjust Judge" which follows a discussion in the 17th chapter of Luke dealing with the return of Christ. He taught us to know from the very beginning that there is a great need for perseverance in our prayer life, it helps to remind us that we are not stressing God by coming to Him again and again with our concerns (Luke 18:1-8).

Keys to Persisting to the End

1. Humility

Humility is a major tool that Christ used to persist to the end. Paul exhorts us to have the same mind of Christ dwell in us saying, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." Philippians 2:3. It is said that pride comes before a fall. We usually give up when we feel we deserve better results while moving up.

Jesus could have given up on the goal if He considered the cruel and unfair treatment meted out to Him. "But emptied Himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." Philippians 2:7. To be able to persist, be extremely humble.

Many people have failed a lot of attempts they made in life not because they were capable, but because they felt the conditions they faced were too humiliating for them. 

Just look around you, nothing is achieved without humility. You cannot understand without going under. A good student is always with humility. Consider apprenticeship where the newly recruited is always sent to buy food, clean, sweep, and go through all the frustrating paths yet, the one who persists to the end becomes successful. "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom." Proverbs 11:2.

2. Focus on the End

Persisting to the end here means there is an end which is the goal. Paul says, 

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified." 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

When you count the goal so important above every setback you encounter on your path, you will be able to persist. Jesus persisted to the end to set the foundation because, "who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 12:2.

Moses had the people coming so strong at him when they needed water. He never gave up because he still had the goal in focus. Meribah was the name he gave to the place because of the quarreling of the people of Israel, and because they tested the LORD by saying, “Is the LORD among us or not?” Exodus 17:7.

In times of difficulty and challenges, we turn to lose our faith and even question God's faithfulness. How many times have you asked this question, "Is Jesus Christ with me?" "Where is our God?"

When you lose sight of the end, you will settle for anything that comes your way. Paul says he subjected his body under control so that he would not be disqualified. Remaining focused on the goal that is attained at the end will empower you to persist to the end.

3. Uphold Wisdom

Jesus faced His adversaries with wisdom. They conspired, to trick Him with a question, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” Matthew 21:23. They sought to make His ministry unpopular with the people. But Jesus' wise answer shook them rather.

"Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold." Proverbs 3:13-14 (ESV)

Many people have perished due to the lack of wisdom. In all your steps in life, get wisdom and never sell it. Jesus Christ is wisdom, receive Him today to persist to the end.

Conclusion

Persisting to the end is not always easy, but it is the key to achieving our dreams and living a fulfilling life. Remember that success is a journey, not a destination, and failure is not the end but a stepping stone to greater things. So, let us embrace the challenges that come our way and commit to persisting to the end, no matter what obstacles we may face. 

Keep the three keys in mind always; being humble, focused, and wise. In doing so, we can unlock our full potential and achieve greatness. Amen!

Shalom aleichem...