Endurance
I am not a huge exercise fanatic. A person can look at the shape of my body and come to that conclusion. I do have endurance in many other areas for sure. When I take a few minutes to reflect over my life I have endured some hardship, suffering and setbacks. I’m still here plugging away and trying to live out what I believe. Endurance is a great quality. It requires tenacity and a strong made-up-mind to keep enduring.
Jesus was spending time with His followers and the conversation went to how this all ends. He gave them a “heads-up” about things that were coming before the end. I don’t think He was trying to scare them, but I do think He was trying to prepare them. Check this out…
4 Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, 5 for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. 6 And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately. 7 Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in many parts of the world. 8 But all this is only the first of the birth pains, with more to come.
9 “Then you will be arrested, persecuted, and killed. You will be hated all over the world because you are my followers. 10 And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other. 11 And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people. 12 Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:4-14 NLT)
As I read God’s Word, I’m reminded to be faithful in following Jesus. I’m reminded to be consistent in living out my faith. I’m reminded to remain steady in step with His Word. In this world, I’m not promised a perfect life. I’m not promised a life without pain and suffering. I think it’s just the opposite. I feel like God’s Word prepared me that hardship and struggle would come. The One constant in my life is Jesus. He is ALWAYS present. He is ALWAYS patient. He is ALWAYS strong. His love for me is astounding and profound. I still struggle to grasp it. His Love and His Presence spurs me on in enduring whatever life throws at me.
Pressing On!
Dwayne