JESUS ENDURED SO WE CAN ENDURE

We can be assured that because Jesus endured the agony of the cross for our sake, taking the sins of the entire world on Himself, we too can endure whatever comes our way. He is our strength and power. Hallelujah!

ETERNAL PERSPECTIVES                    by Sally Bair

Endurance

After camping at a mountain lake for two days in the rain, my husband, Don, and I decided to hike back to the dry comforts of our motorhome. Misery kept us from lollygagging on the three-mile trail. Rather, I jogged to keep up with Don. About a quarter mile from where we parked, my body had endured enough punishment. I sat down in the middle of the trail and waited until Don hurried to drop off his backpack and turn the heat on inside the RV before returning to help me back.

Every muscle and bone hurt. When I looked at the two steps leading to the RV interior, I groaned. Don got my miserable message and carried me inside. I hadn’t realized how out of shape I’d become.

We all face times of inability, coping with prolonged pain or difficulties. Whatever we face, endurance is required, calling for regular workouts and a healthy diet or brain-training to avoid wrong thoughts and attitudes.

God would have us endure spiritual problems as well. The Bible encourages us to be patient until the Lord returns, using the prophets as an example of suffering and patience. “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord, that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:11)

Jesus said, “You will be hated by all for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22) We know from experience that problems seem hopeless at night but daylight brings renewed hope. The Psalmist says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)  The wonderful fact about enduring our trials is Jesus endures them with us. With His death and resurrection, we can be assured of His mercy to see us through.

The word endure means more than the ability to cope with prolonged pain or difficulty. It also means to last for a long time. Not that our difficulties will, but God’s mercy and love, His righteousness and truth will last forever. Because of His enduring attributes, we can endure our trials. Read Psalm 136 to understand how enduring God’s mercy is. All twenty-six verses end with the words “For His mercy endures forever.”

Thank You, Lord, for Your enduring mercy and the hope and assurance that it will give us Your power and strength to endure anything that comes our way. In Jesus’ name, amen.