The Step From Zero To Hero

B. God has set a course in front of His children. They run life’s race on that course and it is not an easy course. Cross-country runners and cross-country skiers know that some courses are more difficult than others but none of them is particularly easy. The markings of a competitive course are important for the distance runner because he needs to stay on track. Quitting in the face of difficulty takes one off course. We have past runners witnessing to the fact that the path can be followed even though it is difficult. Therefore, we need to make the burden we carry as light as possible and lay aside the trappings of sin and follow the Lord’s marked racecourse.

IV. Obedience shows dependence.

A. Isai 50:10 (NKJV) "Who among you fears the Lord? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely upon his God.

B. Isaiah described a person reverently avoided displeasing God, obeyed His servant, and yet had to walk in darkness without the tool that enables sight in darkness. When I have to go around the house in the dark without a flashlight, such as in a power outage, I rely on memory and feel my way around in the darkness to get to where I am going. Though it is more difficult than when one is able to see, persevering in dark times also has its spiritual means of progress. Isaiah points to the relationship with the Lord and says to trust in His name (authority and command) and to rely on your God. The relationship you establish with God through the acceptance of Christ as Savior, and the changes He brings into your life through daily contact with Him, are the things that can still guide you in darkness. Depend on the Lord. There is no reason to quit.

V. Persistence shows love.

A. Matt 22:37 (NKJV) Jesus said to him, " `You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

B. Loving God with “all” our being is seen in difficulties. Brotherly love is too, for that matter (Hebrews 13:1). If we continue in hard times, because we love God, that persistence may essentially show the kind of love that Christ showed for the world (John 3:16). It is a product of the Holy Spirit’s presence (Galatians 5:22). It acknowledges God’s claim on us and shows that, though there little or nothing in our experience that is appealing, because we love God, we will endure it for Him.

VI. Endurance leads to reward.

A. Jame 1:12 (NKJV) Blessed [is] the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Reve 2:10 (NKJV) "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw [some] of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you will have tribulation ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

B. God does not forget faithfulness – even if it leads to death in His service. After this life, those who are faithful to Him to the very end have the assurance that a heavenly “crown of life”, the reward of eternity, be awarded by the hand of God. Service rendered will be service rewarded.