“Because you have kept the Word of My patience, I also will keep you from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come quickly. Hold that fast which you have, that no man take your crown.”
Revelation 3:10-11
It is His Love and Faithfulness that keep us keepin’ on when it’d be easy to quit.
Christ’s words to the church in Philadelphia are indeed precious and should whet our desire to have the same said of us: “I know your works; behold, I have set before you an open door and no man can shut it—for you have a little strength and have kept My Word and have not denied My Name” (v.8).
Look at them again:
“I know your works.” Oh, dear Pilgrim, as the song says, “Little is much when God is in it. Labor not for wealth and fame. There’s a crown and you can win it if you’ll go in Jesus’ Name.” How comforting to know our sparrow-watching, hair-counting, tear-catching God’s eye is also upon us and knows every “cup of cold water given in His Name” (Mt. 10:42). Therefore, “do not grow weary in well-doing—for in due season you shall reap, if you faint not” (Gal. 6:9). Hallelujah!
“I have set before you an open door which no one can shut.” Do you believe this, Pilgrim? Do you believe this in your life, family, business, church, etc.? If so, do not fail to walk through these doors which He has set before you, even though the road leading through them is filled with many a fear and heartache. Such is always the nature of the Pilgrim Pathway (Mt. 7:13-14).
The Risen Lord then said “For you have a little strength and have kept My Word and have not denied My Name.” Glory!! A little strength is better than no strength and His Crown awaits those who “fight the good fight, finish their course and KEEP THE FAITH” (II Tim. 4:7). Do not give in to doubt, weary one, as the Battle intensifies in these last days; instead, “stay focused and faithful” (Heb. 12:1-2)—knowing that He Who has called you will also keep you.
The key to this is found in today’s Manna—for He is the One “Who keeps (Grk. ‘tereo’—‘to guard from loss or injury, keep one’s eye upon, to hold fast to, preserve, etc.’) you in the hour of temptation (Grk. ‘peirasmos’—‘a putting to the test, proof, difficulty, discipline, provocation, etc.’) which shall come upon the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”
Thus, if you’re going through a “fiery furnace” experience now, remember the three Hebrew teenagers who emerged from the fire “with no hair of their head singed or clothes burned or even the smell of smoke upon them” (Dan. 3:27)—all because of the Fourth One Who walked beside them (Dan. 3:25).
Truly, the One Who will keep you is He “Who slumbers not, neither does He sleep” (Ps. 121). He is never caught off-guard or surprised at any new developments in the world situation. He is faithful (I Cor. 10:13)—and will use everything in your life to further transform your faith into 24-karat status spiritually (I Pet. 1:6-7). Therefore, entrust your life anew to the “God Who keeps” (I Pet. 1:3-5), knowing He knows you and what you’re going through.
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated February 15, 2010
