endurance

November 19th – Psalm 76:4

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Psalm 76:4

The world today is in great need of hope. Everywhere we turn, we are inundated by news of tragedy, horror, and violence. As in the days of Noah, (Luke 17:26-27) people are openly sinning against God with no fear of the consequences. And although Christians around the world are sounding the alarm of the Lord’s soon return, the world mocks the message and the messengers.  Yet as the world spins out of control, and people panic over the darkened days, we as followers of Christ have all we need to lead lives of encouragement and joy. For as Job 11:18 reminds us, “You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.” The Lord is our source of illumination, a light that shines in the midst of darkness. Our mighty mountain of strength and stability in which we can place our hope. His glorious nature surpasses even the most magnificent of mountains. And His majesty shines in the richness of His supreme authority, infinite wisdom, and divine splendor.

November 19th – Psalm 76:4 Read More »

November 18th – Hebrews 10:36

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Hebrews 10:36

When Abraham was 75 years old, God promised to make him a great nation. The years came and went, and as each one passed no fulfillment of God’s promise came. But instead of giving up, Abraham endured and, “believed in the Lord.” (Gen. 15:6) Finally, at the age of 100, Abraham received the son he had waited for, his beloved Isaac. But then God asked the impossible. He wanted Abraham to sacrifice his son. I can’t even begin to imagine the confusion and sorrow Abraham felt because of God’s request. Regardless, Abraham continued to trust and place his hope in the Lord. And even though he didn’t understand, Abraham endured and obeyed. And because of his obedience, God blessed Abraham, and the world, mightily. What if God asked you to sacrifice what you love the most? Could you do it obediently and without hesitation? God wanted Abraham, and each of us, to learn to wait, trust, and hope in Him no matter what He asks of us. And when we do, God promises to bless our obedience greatly!

November 18th – Hebrews 10:36 Read More »

November 17th – Psalm 138:7

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Psalm 138:7

I love the idea of God extending His loving arms around us forming a protective hedge of safety. With one hand He inspires us with the gift of hope. A radiant light that illuminates even the darkest corners of our journey. And with the other God imparts endurance. A resilient strength that fortifies us through trials, empowering us to press forward when the path is challenging. Together, God’s hands craft a harmonious shield of protection. One offering the power of hope to lift our spirits and the steadfast endurance to weather the storms. God is our great stronghold. No enemy can stand against His will nor breach His wall. This gives us the grace and strength to navigate life’s complexities with unwavering faith. We can face any and all trouble knowing God promises to preserve us. And with each step, God’s ever present hands guide us towards a future infused with hope and sustained by enduring grace.

November 17th – Psalm 138:7 Read More »

November 16th – Galatians 6:9

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Galatians 6:9

In his letter to the early church in Galatia, Paul uses a parallel between the diligence of farmers and the endurance required in our spiritual journey. Much like farmers who toil in the fields, working and patiently waiting for the harvest season, we are urged not to grow weary in doing good while we wait for God’s great harvest. The apostle uses the comparison to underscore the importance of perseverance and patience for both. Just as farmers trust that their labor will eventually yield a bountiful harvest, we too are called to maintain hope and endurance in our faith journey. Being fully assured that our efforts in living according to God’s principles will bear fruit at the appointed time. Paul also encourages us to emulate the steadfastness of farmers, who continue working the fields despite challenges. To apply that same resilience in our spiritual lives, trusting that in due season, our faithful endurance will lead to a harvest of blessings and fulfillment.

November 16th – Galatians 6:9 Read More »

November 15th – Proverbs 3:5-6

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Proverbs 3:5-6

In Proverbs 3:5-6 Solomon tells us that to find hope and endurance we have to be willing to surrender our trust in ourselves and have complete trust in the Lord. To give up the impulse to depend on our own understanding, and instead give over our path to God’s perfect plan and wisdom. It means actively seeking His guidance in all aspects of life, knowing His thoughts and ways are higher. His strength made perfect in our weakness. It’s a continuous commitment to submission, being ok with not understanding all of God’s workings. Yet faithfully following the path He ordains anyway. In practice, it’s about finding strength and purpose in surrender. Allowing hope to permeate every decision and endurance to be fueled by the belief that, through trusting in the Lord, our paths are guided toward a purposeful and straight course. One that allows us to have victory over every trial, and leads to an eternity spent in the presence of God, Almighty.

November 15th – Proverbs 3:5-6 Read More »

November 14th – 1 Corinthians 16:13

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

1 Corinthians 16:13

Football season is in full force. And as a Michigander, I have to say the Detroit Lions with their first place standing in the NFC North, is a rare happening that has fans cheering. Their winning streak is due in large part to the guidance, teaching, and encouragement they receive from their dedicated coaches. God is our great Coach. He guides, teaches, and encourages us to remain vigilant, resolute in faith, and resilient in the face of trials. To never give up hope or give in to fear or discouragement. To stand firm in our beliefs, drawing strength from the hopeful expectation of a future grounded in faith. The call to courage and strength isn’t merely about facing challenges head-on but is deeply rooted in the enduring hope that sustains through difficulties. It’s a reminder that hope isn’t passive, but an active force that fortifies endurance. Allowing us to victoriously navigate life’s obstacles with unwavering faith and steadfast determination.

November 14th – 1 Corinthians 16:13 Read More »

November 13th – Hebrews 11:1

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Hebrews 11:1

Solomon, the wisest of all kings, tells us a cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Eccles. 4:12) That’s how it is with faith, hope, and endurance. Together they form an unbreakable chain that allow us to have unwavering trust in God and His promises. Even without physical proof or evidence. Having a confident faith in the Lord strengthens us. Providing a firm foundation which guides our thoughts, choices, and actions. Making sure all align with God’s will. And that faith leads to hope, the driving force behind endurance. This empowers us to keep going through the challenges and uncertainties of life. All with the confidence that what we believe in, though unseen, is certain and trustworthy. And God promises to reward such faith. Including the treasures of eternal life, peace that transcends understanding, and a profound sense of purpose and meaning. Although unseen, we can be assured of God’s love, protection, and a future beyond this life. One filled with joy, restoration, and an eternity spent as His side.

November 13th – Hebrews 11:1 Read More »

November 12th – 1 Peter 1:6-7

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

1 Peter 1:6-7

An Indian guru once said, “The stones of a river start out rough, but with the current continually bumping and polishing them, they end up being beautiful.” I couldn’t think of a more perfect description of the Christian life. Each of us are as river stones. Rough and jagged around the edges, tossed and turned in the raging current of life. Yet we can find joy in the difficulties no matter how strong the river rages. Because the outcome isn’t just endurance, but a beautiful testimony that glorifies and honors the Lord. And as our faith is deepened, so is the hope we find knowing our suffering is only temporary. We perseverance knowing it will lead to a great honor. That honor being when Christ is revealed, we who have steadfastly held onto our faith, enduring through the trials of life, will receive honor and glory from the Lord as a reward for our commitment. No wonder our faith is called more precious than gold. For I can think of nothing more valuable than hearing the praises of my Savior.

November 12th – 1 Peter 1:6-7 Read More »

November 11th – Psalm 119:114-116

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Psalm 119:114-116

Although we don’t know what challenges whoever wrote Psalm 119 was facing, it’s clear they found refuge and strength in God, placing their hope in His word. But what does it mean to place our hope in God’s Word? It’s more than just wishing it to be true. Instead hoping in God’s Word is a profound trust and belief in the promises, wisdom, and truths contained within it. When we hope in God’s Word, we lean on it as our perfect source of unchanging truth. We drink from it as a wellspring of comfort in times of distress. And we follow it as a roadmap for life’s journey. This makes our hope not one that is passive, but active, shaping our beliefs, actions, and decisions. it empowers us to stand firm against adversity, to resist the influences of wrongdoing, and to continue steadfastly in obedience to God’s commands. It’s a resilient hope that sustains endurance, enabling us to navigate life’s challenges and to live with unwavering faith in God’s promises, seeking to honor Him in all things.

November 11th – Psalm 119:114-116 Read More »

November 10th – Romans 8:18

Leave a Comment / Daily Devotional /

Romans 8:18

Jesus warned that while on this earth, His followers would experience rocky times. (2 Tim. 3:12) And there’s not a single one of us who hasn’t been touched by suffering or faced trials. But the apostle Paul also tells us that nothing, absolutely nothing we go through on earth can compare to what awaits us in heaven. The glorious treasures we will receive, including spending eternity with the Lord, encourages to endure the trials of today with the hope of a glorious tomorrow. And that hope becomes the fuel sustaining our endurance. For it reminds us that our current struggles are only a chapter in the larger story of redemption. Yet while it hurts to go through the storms of life, they are only temporary. God is in complete control, guiding and loving us along the way. And He promises that the trial will last only as long as He allows. In the meantime we will continue loving, obeying, and praising Him in good times and bad. Finding joy and confidence that a brighter, more glorious future is on the horizon.

 

November 10th – Romans 8:18 Read More »