God Helps Us Endure

There are times when the excitement of a new beginning will blur disappointments that accompany a new adventure. The majority of pioneers starting out from Missouri in the 1840s for Oregon could not imagine the hardships they would suffer.

Moses had strong reservations about leading the Hebrew people out of Egypt. He refused God’s inference that he was the only one skilled enough for the job. In fact, the Pharaoh rejected every attempt by Moses to convince him to free the Hebrew people. They were his source for cheap labor.

With every demand Moses made, the Pharaoh increased the people’s workload, intensifying their anger toward Moses. Listen to their accusations: "You have made us a stench to the Pharaoh and have put a sword in his official’s hand to kill us." God’s people will endure hardships in their journey with Christ Jesus, but God never defaults on his pledge to help you endure. Jesus promised, “Blessed are those who endure for they shall be saved.” This is God’s pledge to you.

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God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of  life that God has promised to those who love him.

~James 1:12 New Living Translation

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Insight + Endurance + Action = Change - Part 1

Numerous times I've asked God to help me with something so I could be better prepared for a difficult task. Insight is essential for inaugurating needed change. Insight may come immediately or gradually, but applying the insight and wisdom God gives is essential for change. God gives us determination to integrate insight into our behavior and thinking patterns.

This is where endurance, the second component of change comes into play.   What does the word endurance mean to you? Endurance has a stick-to-it attitude. God's word informs us that Jesus endured the cross, the humiliation, the shame and pain so we would not have to endure eternal separation from God.

The end result of endurance is confirmation by God. "He who endures to the end will be saved." We have an advocate who remembers, who never forgets, who provides help at just the right time. Endurance is supplemented with stamina, which is replenished as we stay true to our calling in Christ Jesus.