Staying Power 

John, called the beloved disciple, was close to Jesus. He was one of the three Jesus called to go with Him on the mountain (likely Mount Tabor) where the transformation took place (see Matthew 17, Luke 9, or Mark 9). Those same three went with him into the Garden of Gethsemane to pray before His arrest. John was the only disciple to stay with Jesus during his trial (see John 18:15-16). He was also at Jesus' crucifixion. In fact, at the cross, Jesus told John to take care of Mary, his mother (See John 19:25-27).

John was loyal and stayed with Jesus through everything. He never denied or deserted his Lord as some of the others did. He persevered in his later life, too, undergoing some difficult situations, including being exiled on Patmos. But wherever he found himself, John lived his faith and glorified his Savior. 

Being a Christian today isn't as popular as it once was. With discrimination and persecution on the rise, it's even more crucial that Christ-followers have staying power and remain loyal. Like John, we must keep our eyes on what is really important -- our Lord and our faith. Those ensure us a heavenly eternity; things of the world do not.

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