Do You Have Staying Power?
When the cheering stops, when the Hallelujahs turn to jeers, when the music is silenced, will you still be standing or will you have already turned to run? Here is the first stanza of a Rudyard Kipling's poem "IF"
"If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise..."
>> The story of Holy Week is filled with the drama of Staying Power. Consider your life reflected in the actions and attitudes of Peter, James, John and the others disciples who were so excited to cast out demons and rain judgement down on evil yet ran into the night when trouble struck.
If you’ve come for the PRESTIGE,
you’ll flee from the CONFLICT
Peter answered him, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us?” Matthew 19:27
If you’ve come for the SPECTACLE,
you’ll flee from the COMMITMENT
Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to him, “Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from you.” Matthew 12:38
If you’ve come for the COMFORT,
you’ll flee from the SACRIFICE
Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill.” John 6:26
Developing Staying Power
I. Conviction – The right thing to do
Answers the question: What is good in life?
II. Commitment – To do the right thing
Answers the question: What will I sacrifice?
III. Covenant – called by God to ministry
Answers the question: Why should I care?
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