How do we stay committed in our walk as Christ-followers? Where do we turn when things get rough?

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” – Matthew 7: 13-14

In last Sunday’s service, we talked about commitment – such a heavy word, if we look at it honestly.

You see, in our Christian-life walk, when things are easy, it is very easy for us to keep going, move on and praise the Lord. But when things start to get rough and things start to fall apart, what’s the condition of your heart?

Do you stay walking on the same path and following God’s plans for you or do you start looking around and doing your own plans?

This is the message that was delivered by Sister Zenaida Villegas as she discussed about Staying Committed – a continuation of the sermon series “Living with Confidence in this Chaotic World.
 

The Power of Commitment

person wearing gold ballerina shoes

“Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.” – Joshua 1:8

This is how the Bible defines commitment.

And it comes with a promise – that if we do everything written in it (Book of Law), we will be prosperous and successful.

It is very important to stay committed. Why? Because your level of commitment is a foundation to your relationships and attitude.

As sister Nayda said,

“Commitments are powerful. The way I think, the way I sound, and the way I act, it connects to the commitments that I have in my life.”

In short, your commitment is your guide. When you are committed to something, it becomes your driving force.

This is the reason why Paul said in Hebrews 12: 1-2,

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

This is the power of commitment. It gives you a direction and a guide as you continue your walk and in whatever you do.

The question is, how do we stay committed?
 

#1: Be Patient – Commitment Takes Time

man on grass field looking at sky

“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” – James 5:7-8

We all have one goal – to be welcomed by Jesus, in Heaven, when we pass through this life, with arms wide open and saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

In the same manner, James likened this to a farmer, who is waiting for the land to yield its crop.

And what do the farmers do during the offseason? Do they stay at home, sleep and wait for the crops to grow? No, they don’t. They work and work and work every day.

They till the soil, nurture the land, prepare for the rain, and prepare for the harvest.

The same way as the farmers do this, we should also be doing this in our Christian lives. We should:

  • Till the soil – pray for the heart of men to accept Jesus Christ
  • Nurture each other – through prayer and fellowship
  • Make good use of the early rain – by preaching the gospel to all people
  • Prepare for the latter rain – the second coming of Christ

History of Commitment through the Bible

how to stay committed
 
Christianity was built and established on patience. Look at the number of years these people had to wait for them to see the fruits of their ministry? This is commitment.

How do we manifest patience?

Patience is already given through us when we received the Holy Spirit.

“For the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, PATIENCE, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” – Galatians 5: 22-23.
 
And it will also help to know that God has been patient in laying out His plans for us.
 
how to stay committed
 
If God is patient with us, how much more should we be, right?

#2: Rely on God’s timing – it’s always perfect

photo of antelope cave

God’s plan is perfect. He is a God not bound by time, matter, or space, therefore, He knows, sees, and sets the future.
He is the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end.
 
Why then would we not rely on someone who already knows everything that will take place, right? It is common sense.

We rely on God’s timing because:

  • God knows the future (Isaiah 46:10)
  • His Word will never fail (Isaiah 55:10-11)
  • God has good intention for us (Matthew 10:29-31)
  • He has proven Himself trustworthy (Deuteronomy 7:9)
He is always on time (2 Peter 3:8-9)
 

#3: Focus your eyes on Jesus – the author and finisher of your faith

person hand reaching for the sky

Jesus Christ is the ultimate prize.

When we stay committed to our walk with God, we have a reward of eternal life. But even before eternal life, God made a promise that if we stay in Him and follow His words, we will be prosperous and successful.

Here’s the secret, brothers, and sisters – everything is found in Jesus.

And if we focus our eyes on Jesus, we have everything we need.

Matthew 7: 7-8 – “Ask and it shall be given, seek and you shall find. Knock and it shall be open unto you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.”

John 14: 13-14 – “And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.”

There are a lot more promises like this in the Bible. And they all say the same thing. That Jesus holds everything and if we look unto Him, we will lack nothing.

The Bible tells us of God’s faithfulness, commitment, and promises to us, so if we continue walking with Him and listening to His words, we will surely be steadfast.

Are you struggling with Staying Committed?

Let me tell you this, a lot of us are.

But always remember that we are not fighting the battles by ourselves. We are fighting this battle with Jesus Christ, who made a way for all of us and with the Holy Spirit, giving us the same power that raised Jesus from the dead.

You can stay committed, not of your own, but through God’s help.

If you have something you want to pray for or if you’re struggling with your commitments to God and His purpose for you, talk to us.

You can message us at +1 (707) 600 – 6010 or leave us a message on our Jesus Reigns Ministries Facebook page or DM us on Instagram @jrmvallejo.

You can also watch the entire sermon here.

Keep going, keep running the race and let’s all meet at the finish line! God bless and stay safe.

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