I’m now in the last session of Illustrated Faith’s Word Nerd devotional kit. This session focuses on the word Endure which means to undergo, especially without giving in.
… you will be hated… many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another… false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
Matthew 24:9-13
This verse is in the context of the end times. Jesus tells us that we will face tribulations because of Him, many of us will fall away, false prophets will lead some astray, we will hate one another, lawlessness will increase and, as a result, the love of many will grow cold. However, if we endure all this to the very end, then we will be saved.
The author of the Word Nerd devotional contrasts the word enduring to persisting. She says that persisting invokes a sense of action; of moving forward through difficulty. Enduring, on the other hand, is more of a stillness. This doesn’t mean doing nothing, rather it’s sitting with and engaging with something difficult.
She invites us to identify some pain points in our lives and to just embrace them. Instead of trying to fix them, which I tend to attempt, or try to figure out what we’re supposed to learn, to just let them be and allow God to fill us with the strength we need to endure.
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
James 1:2-4
A similar word I studied was Persevere. This verse tells us that we will face many trials and we should be happy about that. That’s because our faith is being tested so that ultimately we are perfected.
I don’t know about you, but I’m not a fan of trials! However, knowing that we are being sanctified through them certainly helps me to face them. Also helpful is knowing His promises to be our comfort and help. As well as, believing that we are ultimately victorious because He says He’s working all things out for our good and His glory. Knowing and believing these promises make the journey a whole lot easier.
So, to recap this study, meditating on God’s word helps us to remember it. Remembering renews us and helps us to endure.
Which promises do you cling to in your difficult seasons?
