Endurance – the ability to hang on when it would have been easier to let go. It is the key that keeps us from giving up and letting go. It is the power of going on in spite of difficulties. When endurance is used in the Bible it means “to abide or rest under,” or “to wait.” The Apostle, Paul reminds us that endurance helps to develop our character. Romans 5: 3-5 “…we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope does not disappoint, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us”
Some Keys to Developing Endurance:
Accept Things That Can’t Be Changed. Let’s face it, sometimes life is not fair. Injustices creep into every one’s arena. It helps to remember that
God is in charge of our lives. His desire is for us to grow spiritually. Unfavorable and tragic circumstances that we experience help to develop our character.
Adjust to the obstacles. Sometimes we have to adjust our way to fit the realities of life. Proverb 22:3 “A sensible person sees danger and takes cover, but the inexperienced keep going and are punished”. Some circumstances are unavoidable. The person with perseverance acknowledges the roadblocks and adjusts. Don’t think of the adjustments as failure, think of them as education. God is teaching you a lesson.
Be Patient. Most of us pray, “Lord, give me patience right now! But endurance brings us patience. The secret of patience is abiding (or resting) in Christ through the struggles and pressures of life.
Are you close to quitting? Don’t! Are you tired of trying to live for Christ? Hang in there! Does sorrow and disappointment greet your every morning? Hold on! Remember, you are not a failure until you give up. James 1:12 “Blessed is a man who endures trials, because when he passes the test, he will receive the crown of life that He has promised to those who love Him”. So don’t quit! Don’t give up!
God’s reward await us!
Faithfully,
Pastor R. Mario Howell