The Power to Continue

By Danisa Siziba

If were honest, most of us have times in our lives when continuing forward seems to be the least desirable option. And this even includes people who believe in God. Perhaps one of the most difficult lessons for people coming to a faith-based life is that believing in and accepting Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour does not mean a problem-free life. And although intellectually they may believe that he never asks more of us than we can handle, deep down it can be a difficult truth to live.

In The Power to Continue, author Danisa Siziba reminds us that God is the answer to any question, and though life may still be difficult at times, he is there to help us throughjust as he did for those in the Bible. As a fellow disciple of Christ, you can find encouragement from the many biblical examples of men and women who trusted in God and followed the leading of the Spirit. The Power to Continue also offers practical advice for Christians today who are ready to be successful in achieving their divine purpose.

In John 8:31, Jesus says, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. We should therefore continue on our journey of faith and walk forward as Christian disciples of Christ. This walk may be challenging, but it is not how you start but how you finish.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Jun 22, 2018
• ISBN: 9781546294092

Danisa Siziba

Danisa Siziba is a Christian father, husband, and minister of the gospel. He is passionate about teaching the Word of God, and he firmly believes the Word of God is the final authority in all matters of life. The Bible is superior to any human ideology, and it is a worthy thing in which to invest oneself.

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© 2018 Danisa Siziba. All rights reserved.

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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version of THE HOLY BIBLE

Scriptures marked KJV are taken from the KING JAMES VERSION (KJV): KING JAMES

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Scriptures marked NIV are taken from the NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV):

Scripture taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION ®. Copyright©

1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™. Used by permission of Zondervan

Published by AuthorHouse 06/21/2018

ISBN: 978-1-5462-9408-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-9407-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-9409-2 (e)

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

I dedicate this book to my parents, Mr Lameck and Mrs Mephi Siziba, for all the work and commitment to providing for us as a family through very challenging and hopeless situations. You saw me when I was weak and directionless, and you committed to raising me up. You sacrificed your everything and persevered through all the struggles to raise my siblings and me to be who we are. Siyabonga! UNkulunkulu alenzele kahle, alinikeze iminyaka eminengi, aze alikhumbule langezinsuku zenu zendingeko.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8–9)

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. (Hebrews 12:1).

FOREWORD BY SIQINISELO QINI SIZIBA

Throughout the Christian church family in times gone, one has heard a sad cry in the form of a question: What went wrong? The author has attempted to answer, and to a large extent succeeded, in order to help many willing servants of God avoid the pitfalls of ministry and have a fulfilling Christian walk.

The Power to Continue is not a textbook, and neither is it a sermon or an attempt to substitute the Word of God. It is a heart experience of one who walks the talk.

This is not a manual to spiritual warfare but an outstretched hand from a fellow brother to walk through the wilderness while holding onto the vision, making that commitment with a positive attitude and hope while at the same time being fully conversant of the reasons why many well-meaning saints of God quit.

This book will encourage and caution men and women in the missionary field to take each step as the Spirit leads, being aware that those who hit some snags walked and talked with the Lord. For example, Adam and Eve lived in a heaven of some sort when the devil hit them below the belt.

As it is written, Prepare plans by consultation and make war by wise guidance (Proverbs 20:18). This book is a must-have for every believer and should be passed on to many other hands.

Siqiniselo Qini Siziba

Pastor, Victory Fellowship

Mawabeni, Zimbabwe

FOREWORD BY PASTOR SEPRAIN MKHWANANZI

Here is a rare opportunity to find a book that offers sound, practical advice on how to achieve one’s divine destiny. Danisa Siziba’s book blends smart practice with intelligent articulation not only on how to get the journey started, but also on how to persevere through the journey and finish strong. The Power to Continue is an invaluable and extraordinary book. It lays out a simple step-by-step process by which anyone can discover, pursue, and achieve his or her own God-given dream without fainting on the way.

In this hectic day and age, the art of dreaming big and pursuing one’s goals right up to the end is often overwhelmed by the mundane and routine pressure of life. Therefore it is refreshing to read Danisa’s book. The Power to Continue will lift you up and inspire you.

Danisa has penned an easy-to-read, practical, and challenging book. I have no doubt that each one of us can embark on our personal dream journey and ultimately achieve it by finishing strong. We can do this because deep down in every person, there is a spirit of a champion.

If you feel like giving up on the way, kindly do yourself a favour: read this book over and over again and digest its contents. Then you will be launched into your God-ordained destiny.

My brother, you have truly given us a valuable and practical guide, a must-read for anyone who cares to finish strong in all areas of life and be a winner. I am inspired to keep on keeping on. I know that this book will revive dreams by encouraging and inspiring them.

I recommend this book as a life manuscript for those who want to dream big and achieve their goals by finishing strong.

I can, you can, and together we can pursue our dreams for us, our children, and the next generation.

Pastor Seprain Mkhwananzi

Word of Life International Ministries

PREFACE

I have seen a lot of people start journeys, but very few have the courage to continue to the end. It is very easy to start something, but continuing to the end is a completely different matter. Yet it is the continuing to the end that separates heroes from villains. In John 8:31b, Jesus says, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. Conversely, this means if you do not continue in His word, then you are not a true disciple. What you continue to do shapes what you become. In other words, continuing is not just a matter of activity; it is also a matter of identity and destiny. Prizes are awarded at the finishing line and not at the starting line. The most important thing is not how you start but how you finish.

It is on this premise that I have chosen to talk about sustaining the momentum in our Christian walk. Though not exhaustive, this book looks at some of the important factors that affect us as we set out to pursue our goals, and as we walk this life journey of Christianity. I pray and trust you will find it beneficial, and it is my prayer that it may change something in the life of the reader, that it will challenge and rejuvenate the rigour in someone who is about to quit the journey of faith, or to give up on life altogether.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I give glory to God, the Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, who has inspired and enabled me to write this book. Without Him I am nothing and cannot do anything. I owe Him my very life.

I wouldn’t have produced any meaningful work without the support and teachings of my senior pastors and apostles, Dr G. and Pastor MB Shana. May God continue to refresh you and give you wisdom as you do His work. In particular, thank you to Pastor MB Shana for being available to review my work and provide guidance in the midst of your very busy schedule. Please do receive my heartfelt appreciation. My branch pastors, Pastors S and S Mkhwananzi: thank you so much for your shepherding, and for the time you spent reviewing the work and providing your guidance.

My appreciation also goes to my family for all the support. My wife, Oliver, has been a great pillar of strength and support. I got lots of ideas from my two daughters, Providence and Prominence. Thank you for all the support and the pestering to get the book published.

Special mention to Pastor Sibongile Damasane for the thorough, line-by-line review of this work. You are God-sent! Thank you so much for such commitment and sacrifice. May God refresh you and grant you the desires of your heart.

At the conception of this book, I shared with workmates who gave me great encouragement and support. Special mention to Mr Khumbulani Magwala Ndlovu, Mrs Musa Dube, Mrs Sibongumusa Ncube, Mrs Sandra Chapasuka, Mr Mvelo Mjimba, Mr Nqobani Ncube, and Mr Huggins Ncube—the Sanzukwi team! May God open for you the doors you need in your life. Pastor Stanley Maphosa was a great encourager and supporter along the way. Thank you so much. Pastor Patrobes Mugadza made every moment light and provided very encouraging feedback. Siyabonga Nceku!

CONTENTS

Chapter 1     Introduction

Chapter 2     Intolerance As A Launching Pad

Chapter 3     The Wilderness Experience

Chapter 4     Introduction To Factors For Continuity

Chapter 5     Vision

Chapter 6     Commitment

Chapter 7     Knowledge

Chapter 8     Focus

Chapter 9     Attitude

Chapter 10   Hope

Chapter 11   Why Many Faint And Quit

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

—John 8:31–32

In John 8:31, Jesus says the evidence of true discipleship is continuing in His Word. Because continuity has such an important place in our walks, it is important that we understand what it is. In Strong’s Hebrew and Greek Dictionaries, the word used for continue in John 8:31 means "to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy):—abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry (for)." Merriam Webster’s online dictionary gives four meanings, which are all consistent with the definition given by Strong:to maintain without interruption a condition, course, or action; to remain in existence; to remain in a place or condition; to resume an activity after interruption. God has called you to a place. There is a posture and an attitude you must carry to win and please God. Sometimes we get distracted or tired and give up. Or we move away from the place of assignment and pursuit.

In this book, I discuss some of the critical factors that I pray will encourage, motivate, and strengthen you to continue the pursuit of your assignment and goals. Starting is good and necessary, but the reward is in continuing to the finish line.

Your story is not yet over, and it will certainly not end as a bad story if you hold on and trust God. It is normal to come against storms along the way, but those storms are part of the journey, not the end of it. The Word of God is full of examples of men and women who walked with God and are known to have been great servants of God.