Perseverance marks true believers. The Christian life involves not just starting in God's ways but continuing throughout life. It's like what Napoleon said about conquest making him who he was and needing conquest to sustain him. Under God, dear brother, it's conquest that has made you who you are, and conquest will sustain you.

Your motto should be to aim higher. Only those who persevere until the war's end will be true conquerors and eventually crowned. Perseverance is targeted by all our spiritual enemies. The world doesn't mind if you're a Christian for a while, as long as you stop your journey and settle with her in Vanity Fair. The flesh tries to trap you and stop you from reaching glory.

"It's tiring to be a pilgrim," it whispers. "Give it up. Do I always have to deny myself? Can't I indulge a little? Just a furlough from this constant fight." Satan will fiercely attack your perseverance; it's his main target.

He wants to stop you in service, suggesting you're doing no good and need rest. He'll try to make you tired of suffering, whispering, "Curse God and die." He'll challenge your steadfastness: "Why stay so zealous? Be quiet like the rest. Sleep like others, let your lamp go out like the other virgins." He'll attack your beliefs: "Why cling to these old doctrines? Sensible people are becoming more open-minded, moving past old ideas. Keep up with the times." Keep your shield close, Christian, and pray earnestly to God that His Spirit will help you endure to the end.