I was doing a study this morning on 'endurance'. As I was going through my concordance in the back of my bible I came across some wonderful verses that I had forgotten about. First of all lets take a look at the definition of the word. Merriam- Webster defines endurance as "the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; especially: the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity <a marathon runner's endurance> (Merriam Webster, 2016). When I found the first scripture in the bible (Luke 21:19) I was not quite sure what it meant, it said, "by your endurance you shall gain your lives". Gain our lives, exactly how do we do that with endurance? Endurance here in the same context as "patience" meaning constancy or perseverance in sustaining afflictions (Barnes', 2016). We might wonder why anyone would want to persevere in afflictions. I know I sure do not like pain, or suffering, or sadness. I do not like to see others going through tough times either. So, what is the reason for this? Take a look at the second part of the verse "gain your lives." The word gain here means "possess" or "preserve" so to better understand the verse we could read it like this, by persevering in bearing these trials you "will" save your lives, or "preserve" your lives. Do not give in to the hardships/difficulties but bear up under them for the one that endures to the end the same shall be saved. We can also compare this verse to Matthew 24:13 to see similarities. As, I began to dig a little deeper into God's word I found the verse in 2 Corinthians 6:4 which says, "but as servants of God we commend (entrust) ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, and calamities (ESV). Because I am a servant of God I am willing to withstand hardships and adversity knowing I can entrust God to save my life or preserve my life. With each trial I get through my dependence upon God and my trust in God is strengthened. Then I can go out into the world, share my testimony and save other lives for Christ. This is what kingdom work is all about. Please be encouraged. Trust God as you have endurance in the midst of your difficulties. I would love to get some feed back here on my blogs, share your testimony, or request prayer & praises. God bless....
3 Comments
Brian Kincaid
7/5/2016 07:14:05 pm
The walk we truly walk through our trials with is the testimony to who our GOD is, and a demonstration of HIS power in our lives. How do we trust GOD who we can't see? For me, as a man, I must have something concrete to demonstrate my faith to GOD through and for me that is tithe. Whatever, dependence upon GOD through unknown circumstances produces faith, it is a workout of our denial of self and faith in HIS promise to us as HIS children. It is a blessing and a freedom to turn over to GOD all of my concerns, truth is I rarely turn it all over to GOD, more like one piece at a time. Just as Jesus bared with the disciples as they struggled to comprehend HIS ministry, endurance, GOD endures me through longsuffering and patience and is always faithful as I trust and follow HIM more.
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Brenda Sutton
7/5/2016 08:29:54 pm
Cher, this is an amazing reading on endurance. We have to stand in these last days, as never before. The enemy is not playing, and neither are we!!!!!!. We must put on the armor of God every single day, every hour really, and stand when we don't understand any of this, or do not know what else to do. The next day always makes things seem lighter, and not so stressing if we can just endure for the day we have, and borrow from tomorrow's troubles. We only need strength for the day, for the now. Each day He provides new strength. Thank you for sharing this. I needed it. Love you so very much.
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7/16/2016 10:45:50 am
Hi Brenda-
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