Step 8. Perseverance.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Matt. 5:10

Short Version

We came to find true and lasting happiness by taking this eighth step:

So long as I live as a faithful subject of King Jesus in this fallen world of sorrows I accept that I will be persecuted by my own sin^A, by doubts^B, by sufferings^C, by the devil^D, and by others^E who despise my desire to live according to the righteousness of Christ Jesus. Nevertheless, God shall enable me to persevere to the end^F, when I am finally received into the fullness of the Kingdom of Heaven^G.

^A Rom 7:7-25.   ^B Matt. 14:31, Luke 24:38, Jude 22.   ^C Phil. 1:29. 2Cor. 1:8-10. 1Pet. 2:20. 1Pet. 3:14.  ^D 1Pet. 5:8.   ^E 2Th. 1:4. 2Tim. 3:11.   ^F Phil. 1:6. 2 Pet. 1:10. Rom. 8:28–30. John 10:28–29. 1 Pet. 1:5, 9.  ^G John 5:25–29. Phil. 3:21. 1 John 3:2. Matt. 25:34. 

Longer Version

We came to find true and lasting happiness by taking this eighth step:

So long as I live as a faithful subject of King Jesus in this fallen world of sorrows I accept that I will be persecuted by my own indwelling sin^A, by doubts^B, by the consequences of my actions^C, by the sufferings of my body and mind^D, by the devil^E, and by the cruel words and actions of those who despise my desire to live according to the righteousness of Christ Jesus^F. However, my comfort shall be that God’s kingly reign over all things means that he always remains in control of my life^G, even when I feel it is slipping out of control^F. Since God the Father chose me in love before the foundation of the world^G, since the Lord Jesus Christ continues to intercede for me in heaven^H, and since the Holy Spirit continues to work in my heart and life^I, the Triune God will enable me to persevere in this faith to the end^J, serving as an ambassador of Christ's Kingdom in the embassy of his church. When my service is finally complete,  I shall finally receive the crown of righteousness, which the Lord Jesus, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day when his heavenly kingdom comes in all its fullness.^K

^A Rom 7:7-25.   ^B Matt. 14:31, Luke 24:38, Jude 22   ^C 2Sam. 24:10-14.   ^DPhil. 1:29. 2Cor. 1:8-10. 1Pet. 2:20. 1Pet. 3:14.   ^E 1Pet. 5:8.   ^F Phil. 1:6. 2 Pet. 1:10. Rom. 8:28–30. John 10:28–29. 1 Pet. 1:5, 9.   ^G Rom 8:28. Ps. 115:3,  Isa. 14:24. Phil. 2:13.   ^H 2Cor. 4:15-17.   ^G Jer. 31:3. Eph. 1:4. Rom 8:28-33. Jn. 17:9, 24.    ^H Rom. 8:34. Heb. 4:14-15, 7:25.   ^I Jn. 6:63, 14:17, 26. Rom. 8:1-17, 26-27, 15:23. 1Cor. 2:10-14. 2Cor. 1:22, 3:17. Gal. 4:6, 5:16-18, 22-23. Eph. 1:17, Eph. 1:17.   ^J Phil. 1:6. 2 Pet. 1:10. Rom. 8:28–30. John 10:28–29. 1 Pet. 1:5, 9.   ^K 2Tim. 4:8. John 5:25–29. Phil. 3:21. 1 John 3:2. Matt. 25:34.