“Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that He has promised.”-Hebrews 10:36
For every one of us, there will be days in our lives when joy and excitement seem distant, but weariness seems close. We will all have seasons when it just feels like everything is hard. Can you relate? For all of us here on earth, including Christians, there will be difficult times. It’s a given. Jonathan Edwards once wisely said, “The way to Heaven is ascending; we must be content to travel uphill, though it be hard and tiresome, and contrary to the natural bias of our flesh.” The reality is, in this life we will have various trials and hardships. It’s important to know this so we aren’t suprised when they come. No doubt this is why Jesus explained this truth clearly, yet also gave reason for hope when He said, “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”-John 16:33
Jesus offers us peace the world can’t give. Jesus offers eternal life! That gives us wonderful aniticipation for a very bright future. It also provides perspective for now, when life is trying. So, when we’re tired, running on empty in our walk with Christ, what do we do? When we feel dry in our faith, what then? This is where the encouragement and call to patient endurance is so key! The Lord spoke to every Christian through the author of Hebrews saying, “Patient endurance is what you need now, so you will continue to do God’s will.” Later in Hebrews, we are given further instruction to spur us on in endurance. Hebrews 12:1-2 says, “And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus…”
As we run the race God has for us, which includes times of weariness, hardship, trouble, exhilarating high times, and everything in between, we are to keep looking to Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of our faith. As we keep our eyes on Jesus, we patiently endure. This includes praying, no matter our feelings which go up and down repeatedly. We keep humbly reading the Bible, trusting His truth, even when much around us can be difficult. We keep trusting God, for He is with us and will guide us through. We keep praising Him, no matter the circumstance! Through Christ who gives us strength, we persevere. And one day, by His grace, we will receive all He has promised. What a day it will be!
Godspeed, friends!
-Scott