Endurance- in the Word- 3-24-14





Everyone has problems, let’s face it; if its not a car breaking down a bill not getting paid correctly or a kid going out the door without permission there is always something to get upset about. Today I want us to think about not just getting mad, but enduring the trials so that we can become stronger Christians and learn to help others in and through it; after all, adversity builds character.
 
God will give us things we think we can't handle,  to teach us how to handle it; He usually dose make a way to get through where it seems like there is no way to endure the suffering any more.  If we do not think we can handle it He is always there ready to love on us and help us out with our needs.
If we recall the Word of God says Love suffers long!
Love never gives up, never looses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:7
Jesus knew suffering; we know this because He endured the ultimate sacrifice even unto death for us.
Love endures suffering; if someone is causing you troubles do not let them stop you from walking the walk God has put before you.

Endure suffering along with me as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Soldiers don’t get tied up in the affairs of civilian life, for then they cannot please the officer who enlisted them. And athletes cannot win the price unless they follow the rules. And hardworking farmers should be the first to enjoy the fruit of their labor. Think about what I am saying the Lord will help you understand all these things.
2 Timothy 2:3-7

We need to continue in our walk, taking time to pray, read the Word, gathering together in His name and worshiping Him; endure means to keep going on. It also means to hold out against, to last, to live on, to continue or to persist and persevere.


Does one of these seem familiar to your life? Does it fit in? It does me and mine; sometimes we just have to live through something to grow in a way that we can reach someone we have not yet met!
Long ago I decided to listen to the words my husband had on a shirt; never give in.  I refuse to give in to the enemy and allow myself to get wrapped up in the care of this world too long. I am destined to endure hardship of various levels as a human, as a Christian in this world we live in but it does not have to stop me.


Give thanks to the Lord for he is good! His faithful love (mercy) endures forever!
Psalm 107:1-3

So I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen.  This is a trustworthy saying; ‘if we die with him we will also live with him If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him he will deny us.  If we are unfaithful He remains faithful for He cannot deny who He is.’  2 Timothy 2:10-13


This week as you are hit from one side or another from spiritual emotional or physical battles; stop and remember that love suffers long and Jesus is in the battle with you. If the battle leads you away from God then He is not in it, or you are not going the right way through it. If the battle causes you to draw nearer to Him, which is where you should be going in a battle; He is in it and will help you through it all the way.
God is faithful and just and He will not lead you astray—ever!
His Love will last forever because it endures through anything we can drag it through.



Suggested readings: 2 Timothy 2:1-26 , 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, Psalm 107:1-43 and Romans 9:1-33