Staying with it—that’s what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry, and you’ll be saved.
Matthew 24:13 MSG
What sets the winner of a race apart from every other runner? It is their unwavering determination to finish the race and to finish first. They refuse to stop midway and resist distractions that could make them lose focus on the goal. Staying the course guarantees finishing. Similarly, as Christians on our journey towards eternity, Jesus encourages us in Matthew 24:13 to “stay with it to the end.” This powerful reminder calls for steadfastness in our faith and commitment to God, regardless of the challenges we face.
Our faith, like an athlete’s determination, must remain as strong as when we first believed. Only those who persevere to the finish will receive the ultimate prize—eternity with God. There are no rewards for those who abandon their faith due to distractions, hardships, or temptations. The Christian race is not an easy one; it is filled with obstacles deliberately designed by the devil to derail us. Yet, our focus must remain resolute: to stay with our salvation and guard it jealously.
This race demands vigilance, as the devil constantly seeks to sever our relationship with God. He employs temptations, deceit, and distractions to lead us away from our faith. However, the blessings of steadfastness far outweigh the trials we endure. Remaining faithful not only brings blessings in this life but also secures our eternity with God. Starting the journey is significant, but finishing it is essential—it is a divine requirement.
To stay the course, we must identify and eliminate anything that threatens to hinder our progress. The writer of Hebrews exhorts us to “lay aside every weight and sin that so easily besets us” (Hebrews 12:1). This involves shedding ungodly habits, relationships, and behaviours that jeopardise our spiritual stability. Our staying power lies in our commitment to God and our refusal to give in to the devil’s schemes.
We must cultivate dogged faith—a faith that clings to God, regardless of the odds. This kind of faith resists every form of temptation and remains unshaken by the storms of life. When we guard our relationship with Jesus and prioritise His will, we position ourselves for victory. Our focus should not waver, for it is this steadfastness that enables us to enter God’s Kingdom.
We are in perilous times, and the devil’s strategies to derail believers are relentless. Yet, we are called to “stay with it to the end.” This staying power is not an option; it is a commandment. It is how we overcome and ensure that we do not forfeit the glorious inheritance that awaits us.
In this Christian race, it is not enough to start; we must finish. Staying the course requires determination, focus, and an unyielding faith in God. By resisting distractions, laying aside every hindrance, and guarding our relationship with Jesus, we fulfil the divine mandate to persevere. Let us run this race with endurance, knowing that the prize of eternity with God awaits those who stay faithful to the end.