endurance

November 1st – Psalm 42:11

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Psalm 42:11

The world seems upside down. Everyday it falls darker in a downward spiral of wickedness and chaos. But those who anchor their hope in God, have everything they need to face despair and difficult seasons. Because that hope in God is a source of enduring strength and a catalyst for praise, even in the most trying of circumstances. And it’s through hope and praise, that we can navigate challenging times with renewed strength and a sense of purpose. No matter what is happening the world God is in control, orchestrating a divine plan for good. It’s this hope, rooted in faith, that enables us to face adversity with resilience and to be beacons of light. Ambassadors of Jesus, offering compassion, love, and a sense of purpose amidst the turmoil of the world. And to be like David. Who no matter the challenge he faced, understand that the challenges, chaos, and uncertainties of life are temporary and that a greater, eternal hope lies ahead.

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September 25th – 2 Peter 1:10

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2 Peter 1:10

“Therefore, my brothers and sisters,[a] make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble”

I remember watching an old game show with my grandma called “Chain Reaction.” Contestants had to fill in word chains to score points. All with the goal of winning the life transforming cash prize at the end. As Christians we too are offered a life transforming prize. When we receive Jesus as our Savior, a spiritual chain reaction begins. One that gives us the greatest jackpot of all. Because it empowers us to live a life that glorifies God, have a heart like Jesus, and a firm foundation of faith. Peter knew the amazing transformation that comes from adding the virtues of knowledge, self-control, godliness, endurance and love to our faith in Christ. They build a solid foundation that will keep us steady on our Christian walk, and help us build a deeper relationship with the Lord. More importantly, these virtues also help us to navigate life’s challenges without stumbling in our commitment to Jesus. And lead lives not of compromise, but deep faith that bring glory to the Lord.

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August 21st – Colossians 2:7

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Colossians 2:7

“rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.”

One of my favorite trees is the mighty oak. Beautiful and strong, it outlasts almost every living thing on the earth. And no matter the strength of the storm, because it’s roots grow wide and deep, it’s branches can withstand the blowing winds. When we have roots that run wide and deep in Christ, we too can withstand anything Satan and his evil world can throw at us. To be rooted in Christ means to anchor our lives in His teachings, character, and love. It involves cultivating a strong and enduring relationship with Him by spending time in His presence, through prayer, and by studying  His Word. Just as a healthy tree bears fruit, being rooted in Christ leads to spiritual growth and transformation. And as we draw from His wisdom and grace, we become more resilient against the challenges of life and more fruitful in our actions and relationships. Our great encourager, Paul urges us to strive for a faith that is not superficial, but deeply grounded in the truths of Christ. Thereby allowing us to stand firm, and to flourish amidst the changing tides of the world.

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August 16th – Colossians 1:11

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Colossians 1:11

“being strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy;”

As I’m sitting here on hold with customer service for almost 30 minutes now, Paul’s prayer for believers to have, through the power of God, enduring and joyful patience resonates loud and clear. This divine strength, rooted in the Lord’s might, empowers us to persevere during the hard times. Because life will throw many challenges at us. Yet we can overcome them all with a steadfast spirit. And not only can we be victorious, when we tap into God’s power, we find the strength to have a patience that goes beyond mere endurance. It can actually become a source of great joy. How? When we rely on God’s strength, the result is a positive outlook, even in the face of trials, because we know that out of His great love, God’s purposes are at work. This patience, infused with joy, is a testament to our faith in His sovereignty and goodness. A joy which allows us to remain hopeful while we wait for His plans to unfold. And the ability to show the world what grace and an unwavering trust in God looks like.

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January 21st – 2 Corinthians 12:9

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2 Corinthians 12:9

Although we aren’t told specifically what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was, we can relate to the suffering he endured. For whether it be emotional, physical, or spiritual, each of us have our own thorns to bear.  Thorns for which we have pleaded with God to remove. And sometimes He will do just that. But what happens when His answer is no?  What if instead He wants us to endure? Paul tells us we are to rejoice in our sufferings. For although the thorn may remain, God is at work strengthening the one under it. Instead of becoming bitter, angry, or frustrated, Paul embraced the thorns in his life. He understood that it was in his weakness where Jesus would be glorified, and where he would most experience God’s grace. It’s often in our lowest times when God can do His greatest work. Although we might not understand why God allows suffering into our lives, we can rest in the knowledge that when trouble does knock at our door He will be there.

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June 17th – Hebrews 12:12-13

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Hebrews 12:12-13

After reconstructive foot surgery and a tendon lengthening, I’m currently going through physical therapy. The process is slow and sometimes painful, but my weakened muscles need discipline and training to be able to walk again. That’s how it is with our walk with God. We all experience painful times. Times when we receive God’s discipline. And although no one likes correction, God lovingly deems it necessary in both training and strengthening our spiritual muscles. We all have a race set before us. One we are to run with endurance. But to do so successfully takes dedication and training. And if we cooperate with God, trusting both His direction and discipline, amazing things will happen. Not only will we reach the finish line in victory, but our faith will deepen and we’ll receive great blessings along the way!

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May 8th – Colossians 1:11

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Colossians 1:11

Paul’s prayer for the Christians in Colossae is one that is equally important for the Christians of today. That God’s power will strengthen each and every one of us. And through that power we will receive the ability to endure; being unmovable during trials and suffering. Along with it, the fruit of the Spirit of patience. For patience is rooted in love, especially long suffering towards others. And both are attributes of the Father, bringing with them great joy. We live in a world that is anything but Christlike. Today people are easily offended and lose patience with each other quickly. By showing the world another way, the way of Christlike patience, not only is God happy, but so are we. Because obedience always fills our hearts with the joy the Lord!

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December 7th – Hebrews 12:1-2

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Hebrews 12:1-2

Did you know that the wise men who came to see the Christ child probably traveled 800-900 miles to see Him? Not an easy task. For the journey took preparation, provisions, and a commitment of weeks, months, and maybe even years. Yet to find the Lord was the race set before them. A race they ran in joyful anticipation of looking upon the face of God. We too are called to the same race. A race of endurance, patience, and faith. One that requires us to lay down worldly living, and run whole heartedly for the Lord. It won’t be easy, and it won’t be a sprint. But when we remember all Jesus endured for us, it makes the race not just bearable, but joyful. For the Lord suffered pain, sorrow, betrayal, and rejection. All for the joy of seeing us restored to the Father and giving us the greatest gift of all, eternity spent at His side. And how can we not rejoice for that?

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October 5th – Revelation 21:7

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Revelation 21:7

We all recognize these lyrics. “Jesus loves me, this I know, for the Bible tells me so. Little ones to him belong, they are weak, but He is strong.” As sons and daughters of the world we are weak, sinful, and conquered. But as sons and daughters of God we are strong, righteous, and overcomers. Overcomers who don’t just have faith, they put that faith into action by dying to self and fleshly living. The ones who, through the power of Jesus, live victoriously over the power of the Enemy. For as 1 John 4:4 tells us, “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” And to those who overcome and endure to the end, God promises wonderful rewards. Rewards greater than we could ever imagine, and ones that will make all we go through in this lifetime worthwhile.

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September 27th – James 5:7

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James 5:7

Endurance can be defined as the act of bearing or suffering; a continuing patience under pain or distress without being overcome. As Christians, our lives should be shining examples of patient endurance. One that waits expectantly and joyfully for the return of the Lord; no matter what. To illustrate patience, James uses the example of a farmer. From seeding until harvest, he must wait to see the result of his work in the precious produce of the soil. And the same goes for us. The work we do for the Lord, we do with the sweet anticipation of laying our precious produce before the Lord. For one day soon Christ will be returning. James tells us the “Judge is at the door”. So until then may we be over-comers of the world. Workers of God’s kingdom, who patiently endure the trials of life. And May we follow the advice of James who tells us to, “strengthen our hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” (James 5:8)

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