Paul, who was Timothy's pastor, raised him in the faith. Then Paul wrote to Timothy and said, "Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them". (2 Timothy 3:14). Paul reminded Timothy again to continue, because there is always a possibility of stopping. I know many people who started this Christian journey with zeal, but because of challenges, they stopped. The truth is, none who follow Christ have truly suffered in their lives. There is a difference between suffering and challenges. We've faced challenges, but they were for our training. The Bible says, "knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1:3). Challenges build our faith. Our faith would not be strong if we did not have those challenges. David would never have been king if he had not killed Goliath. Challenges are for building faith.

Do not let anybody or circumstances take you away from this journey of faith. If you abandon it, you may never get another chance to learn. Make up your mind to remain steadfast, no matter the hardship. No great man today succeeded without going through challenges in the past The Bible says, "we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22).

Paul told Timothy to continue in the things he had learned, and this has happened to many. They were so sure that Jesus is the way. They were so sure that going to church every day was the way. But along the line, some allowed themselves to be swayed. Things that you have been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them, must be held onto firmly.

Verse 15 is remarkable: "and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures..." (2 Timothy 3:15) Timothy came to faith as a child. Just like many of us.

The message here is simple: continue. You will face challenges. When you choose Jesus, you choose persecution. The Bible says, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2 Timothy 3:12). When you choose Jesus, you become the enemy of the world; you become the enemy of the Devil. Challenges will come to make you stop hearing this message. Hold your ground. Nobody can fight your fight for you—not even your pastor. It's your fight. And if you win it, it's your crown. You have to. Jesus said, "be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Revelation 2:10).

Choose to be faithful. Continue in all that you have learned, and do not let anyone shake you. Face every challenge with courage. Trust God's Word, knowing that challenges builds your faith, grows you into all God has destined for you, and bring you a reward.