“For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end” – Hebrew 3:14 (KJV).
Being part of the beginning of a thing is not a guarantee that one will partake till the end. While some may hold fast till the end, many drop out on the way not being able to hold forth till the end. As it goes in the natural life, so also in the spirit life. Not all that begin a race carry it through to the end.
Many reasons account for people dropping out of the race or pursuit of life. Almost everyone that begin a race, a mission, a project start with a desire to finish. But, unfortunately, not all eventually get to the finish line. The reason for this could be attributed to so many factors and challenges along the way. These factors include:
- Discouragement– While people may begin with strong hope and excitement, affairs of life and challenges on the path of destiny may bring discouragement. When things fail to work out the way one expected, one may loose the zeal or passion to continue.
- Distraction: Another factor that may contribute or result in people giving up on a pursuit or mission is distractions. This is as a result of loss of focus. The devil brings side attractions to attack the mind and weaken ones drive and passion. Divided attention or double-mindedness often result to instability.
- Despair: Inability to see a successful end often lead to despair. Prevailing circumstance or negative outcome could make one to loose hope. Such a person may not be willing to make the needed effort to get over the challenges.
- Detour: The devil could suggest alternatives or other options or ways of doing things and that could result in one abandoning the chosen direction to begin to pursue the alternative ways thereby losing track in life.
- Impatience or lack of staying power is another factor that often contributes to instability or un-steadfastness. People want to get the desired result here and now. Only few people are willing to go through the pains of waiting and delays. Everything is on the fast lane in this jet age. People want microwave result and so may not be prepared to wait for due season or to follow due process.
The scripture admonishes us here to exhort one another daily (Hebrew 3:13). This daily encouragement is necessary to nullify the daily discouragement on the way.
Our attention is drawn to the land of Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey where, there is no want of any good thing. The Jews left Egypt with joy and excitement but many of them dropped out in the wilderness for lack of steadfastness.
Temptations and trials will certainly come to threaten our Christian faith but we are admonished to hold fast our confidence to the end so we can be made partakers of Christ and share common destiny.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to be steadfast to the end in Jesus name.
Rev. Vincent Diolu