We must never run from a battle. We are called to be overcomers, and overcomers don’t run from challenges. The Scriptures repeatedly state, “The Lord tests the righteous” (see Psalm 11:5). These tests are not to cause us to fall, but to promote us. Just as we cannot advance in school without passing tests, the same is true in our Christian walk. The purpose of every test is to take us higher. 

         Continual tests for advancement are a basic part of the Christian walk. It is unlikely we will pass any test with a perfect score. We look back on every challenge and know we could have done better, but “forgetting what lies behind . . .  I press on toward the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14). We may think we failed a test when God thinks we did well. He always “grades on a curve.” With Him, grace is included in everything for everyone. The ultimate test is, will we treat others as He has treated us?

         With God, we never fail a test, but we will keep taking them until we pass. Still, we are assured success if we do not quit. We are promised He will always lead us in His triumph, and “the one who endures to the end . . . will be saved”(Matthew 24:13). The Greek word translated “saved” here can also be translated “delivered.” 

         Why do so many quit, backslide, or fall away? People will quit for any reason except love. Having sound, biblical doctrine is important but that will not be enough to keep us. It is not enough to have truth; we must love truth and love God above all. 

         It is unlikely anyone ever came to the Lord with perfect motives, or has perfect, mature love for God in this world. However, if we are growing in our love for Him, we will not quit. I Corinthians 13:8 states “Love never fails.” This could have been translated “Love never quits.” 

         There is no path in this life more difficult than following the Lord. As we mature in Him, the trials can get even more difficult. The saying is true: “Higher levels; bigger devils.” This is not to punish us, but if we have been given more authority, we must use it to go after bigger, evil strongholds. Warriors run to the sound of battle, not from it. When attacked, they consider it an opportunity for victory and for taking back ground from the enemy.

         This must be our basic nature, but above all our main priority must be to grow in our love for God and one another. If we are not growing in love, the higher we go, the greater our risk of falling.  

         The true Christian life is difficult but also the most fulfilling and rewarding. As if that were not enough, we are given eternal life as our ultimate reward. We would not be called if we could not do it. He promises He will never allow us to be tempted beyond what we can endure. We learn this more as we mature: our victory is not dependent on our own strength but His, which we access through faith in Him. 

          We are told in Proverbs 24:16, “a righteous man falls seven times.”Even the most righteous will not walk a perfect path. However, as this verse continues, “they rise yet again.” The Lord is not so much pleased with our stumbling as our getting back up and continuing the fight. Get up! Fight on! Never surrender and never quit. 

© 2021 Rick Joyner. All Rights Reserved.