Endurance is that inner strength--a sticking with it--that enables us to accomplish something. Hopefully that which we are trying to accomplish is in God's will. Endurance is a quality that Jesus portrayed for us in His daily life, as well as on the cross. He never gave up on telling His followers and every one who would even listen--even just hear His voice--about His Father. The Pharisees heard His voice--but they didn't listen. Jesus continued to endure their ridicule and evil plotting. By His example we can endure sarcasm and ridicule of anti-Christians and the put downs of socially inept.
My sister, a Christian, was married to a self-declared atheist who ridiculed her for her beliefs--and eventually killed her and himself. For about sixteen years of marriage she endured domestic and verbal abuse. I don't think we'll ever know the extent of what she had to go through, but we do know she "endured" more than most wives would have. She stuck it out to live up to her marriage vows and scripture that teaches us not to divorce. When the abuse included her daughters, she did divorce--but the disregard for human life didn't end until about a year later when physical death ended it. Endurance like Job--who went through loss of all his family and health--is not something we ever want to have to face. The Lord is compassionate and merciful to those who love and serve Him. Compassionate in ways that help us to endure. By that love of The Lord we are blessed--so was my sweet sister. Today is her birthday - celebrate in remembrance of blessed endurance.
Training Tip - Bake a cake--or a pie. Light a candle and reflect as a family on the endurance of those you know who have endured hardships. If you don't know anyone personally then talk about children in Africa or India where they don't have enough food or fresh water--and yet they endure. Maybe your family could give up something once a week and put that money aside to help provide a well for pure drinking water in another country. See http://www.globalgatewaynetwork.org/. This is
a very reliable outreach ministry that has already helped provide wells for
villages, showing the love of Jesus to those communities. Check it out for
yourself. Can you extend that love to others?
Lord Jesus, thank you for Your compassion and mercy--blessing me, my children and grandchildren with endurance. Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary (Galatians 6:9).
Happy birthday - Sis.
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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