endurance

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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June 12th – James 5:7

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James 5:7

I love having a garden. Whether it be flowers or vegetables, there’s nothing better than the satisfaction of a good crop. And although I’d love to instantly see the results of my time, attention, and work, I have to have patience. Yet having patience isn’t easy, especially in a world that covets instant gratification. But life is full of waiting. And to those who patiently endure until He returns, God promises a glorious reward. An eternal bounty of love, peace, and endless joy. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit, and one that produces endurance. An endurance to stay the course and strengthen our hearts for the soon coming of the Lord!

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Running With Endurance – Hebrews 12

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Hebrews 12

Life is hard. There are no two ways about it. The Bible refers to life as a race. And in the running of this race, we encounter hurdles of trials along the track. When we hit those curves in life, the Lord calls us to dig our heels deep into our faith, keep our eyes on Him, and patiently endure to the end. …

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January 27th – Job 8:7

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Job 8:7

Satan loves to see us defeated. And so he whispers words of discouragement into our ears. Words that point out all we don’t have, or haven’t accomplished. Because he knows the more we focus on what we lack, the more we forget all the blessings in our lives we do have. But as Christians, we don’t lead our lives for earthly treasures. Instead we lead our lives dedicated to glorifying God. He knows what’s best for us, and in His perfect will, the Lord will give us exactly what we need. So whether we have a lot or a little, we can depend on God’s promise to prosper us and give us a hope and future! (Jer. 29:11)

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