Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

May 26– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“Continue in the faith.” 

—Acts 14:22

Perseverance is the badge of true saints. The Christian life is not only a beginning in the ways of God but also a continuance that lasts a lifetime. It is with a Christian as it was with the great Napoleon who said, “Conquest has made me what I am, and conquest must maintain me.” So, under God, dear brother in the Lord, conquest has made you what you are, and conquest must sustain you. Your motto must be, “Excelsior!”—which is to say, “Upward and onward!”

A true conqueror is crowned at last only if he continues until the war is over. Perseverance is, therefore, the target of all our spiritual enemies. The world does not object to your being a Christian for a time if she can tempt you to stop your pilgrimage, settle down, and buy and sell with her in Vanity Fair. The flesh will seek to ensnare you and prevent your pressing on to glory. It is tiring work being a pilgrim. We are tempted to give up. We ask ourselves, “Am I always to be put to death? Am I never allowed to indulge myself? Give me at least a vacation from this constant warfare.”

Satan will attack on your perseverance. He will strive to hinder you in service by insinuating that you are doing no good and that you need to take it easy. He will try to make you weary of suffering, whispering in your heart, “Curse God, and die.” He will attack your steadfastness and cause you to wonder, “Why be so zealous? Be quiet and sleep as others do. Let your lamp go out.” He will criticize your doctrinal convictions: “Why do you hold to these creeds? Sensible men are getting more liberal, removing the old landmarks. Get with the times!”

Dear Christian, hold your shield close to you with the rest of your armor, and cry mightily unto God that by his Spirit you may endure to the end. [M&E]