Have you ever been playing a game and your team is losing? It can make you want to give up. But the only way to possibly win, is to stay focused and to keep playing. Instead of walking away, you stay. Another word for that is that you ENDURE.

When Jesus said “the one who endures to the end will be saved,” He used a word that is super interesting in the original language. It means “to remain fixed in place when others are leaving.” Think about that! Endure means to stay put, stay committed, and stay faithful—even if everyone else leaves!

There may be times in your life when following Jesus won’t be easy. But in those moments, Jesus is calling you to stay close to Him, refusing to move away, when others are walking away.

Want to know the best time to decide you’re going to stay close to Jesus no matter what? Right now, before the difficult things happen. Promise yourself today that you’ll endure—you’ll “remain fixed” and unmovable. Keep reading your Bible, keep praying, and keep trusting Jesus!

Take Action: Make that promise right now. Say it out loud or write it down: “I choose to follow Jesus no matter what. I will endure to the end!” Then tell a parent, a trusted friend, or a pastor about it. Ask them to check in with you every once in a while to see how you’re doing.