READ Psalm 37:25-40

Some examples of this principle is Paul and the Apostles.  Yes, they went through hard times, persecutions, stonings, etc., but, God held them up during and through the trials.  Daniel, when thrown in the lion's den, was spared because he served God.  Christians persecuted during the Roman persecutions, slain in the stadiums, and torn assunder, did have the witness that God was with them.  What about the lukewarm Christians?  Demas forsook the ministry, loving the pleasures of the world (2 Timothy 4:10).  When tough times came, he bailed out.  Peter, too, forsook Christ and went back to fishing before he came back and got zealous for Christ.  Before, he may have been lukewarm and served Christ when it was convenient, but when hard times came, he denied Him and left.  Only instruction and time with Christ prepared him for the ministry he was to complete in the future.

What about us?  Do we only serve Christ because it is convenient?  When hard times and possible persecution come, where will we stand?  Will it take the cock crowing three times to make us realize what we have done?  Or are we like Daniel, purposed ahead of time, that we will serve Christ no matter what?  Are we so intent on serving Christ that we count everything in this world as a loss for Him?  Or are we like Demas, always watching the world instead of Christ?