Today’s scripture: James 5:9-11
Endurance.
Webster’s Dictionary defines it as “the
ability to withstand hardship or adversity; especially :
the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity.”
James refers
to Job, who is certainly an example of one who withstood hardship or adversity. And he received God’s blessings after he endured (Job 42:10-13).
Many of us have had our own “Job moments.” Perhaps you’ve lost a child. Or a
home. Or your health. You’ve experienced tragedy and hardship and suffering.
Maybe you are still.
And
too often, instead of enduring, we try to cover up our pain through alcohol or
drugs or rejection of God.
I’ve mentioned in previous blogs that I covered my own suffering through the
latter. I turned my back on God whom I blamed for allowing sexual abuse and
emotional pain. I didn’t endure.
After I made my way back to God and recognized His compassion and mercy, I
experienced new suffering—I continue to suffer today.
But now I’ve learned to endure because I know God is compassionate and
merciful. I know He loves me through the pain. I know He gives me strength
through my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). I know I can crawl on His lap and cry out to
my Abba.
And one day, after I’ve endured all this world throws at me, I will stand
pain-free in the presence of my Lord God (Rev. 21:4). And I pray He’ll smile at
me and say, “Well done, my daughter. Well done” (see Matt. 25:14-30).
Showing posts with label endurance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label endurance. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Saturday, May 05, 2012
Love Endures All Things (1 Cor. 13:4-7)
Love
is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not
arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked,
does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in
unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all
things, hopes all things, endures all
things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love endures all things.
For the last 14 days, we’ve looked at different attributes of love as described by the apostle Paul. This last attribute reminds me that true loving relationships are marathons, not sprints. They’re enduring, long-lasting, strong. This is especially true—or should be—in marriage.
Our world would tell us that love is all passion, and when the passion dies, so does love. Passion is a sprint. And it does ebb and flow. So if your focus is on passion, you’ll hit the finish line and then think it’s all over. Thus the tragic divorce statistics we see.
Love is so much more than passion. Love is intimacy—emotional, spiritual, and physical. It's being there for your mate. It's loving him or her with patience, kindness, without arrogance ... All those things we've been talking about.
Yes, Russ and I have been married 24 years, and believe me, there have been times when passion has stagnated. There have even been times when I really didn’t like what Russ did—and wondered “Who are you and what are you doing in my house?” It was during those times when I chose to love him.
Russ is my best friend. He’s the one who knows me inside and out—and loves me anyway. He’s the one who puts up with my bad moods (yes, I do have them occasionally!), who supports my passion for ministry, who cooks yummy meals, and who I know will be there for me no matter what.
Our love has endured.
If you’re married, please don’t listen to the world’s lies. The grass really isn’t greener on the other side. It’s probably just AstroTurf—a facsimile of the real thing. And if you aren't married yet, but hope to be some day, remember these words. Remember to focus on the marathon, not the sprint.
Choose to love your mate. Love, honor, and cherish, even through the difficult times, even through those times when your mate just isn’t lovable.
Run the race. Finish the marathon.
Endure.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love endures all things.
For the last 14 days, we’ve looked at different attributes of love as described by the apostle Paul. This last attribute reminds me that true loving relationships are marathons, not sprints. They’re enduring, long-lasting, strong. This is especially true—or should be—in marriage.
Our world would tell us that love is all passion, and when the passion dies, so does love. Passion is a sprint. And it does ebb and flow. So if your focus is on passion, you’ll hit the finish line and then think it’s all over. Thus the tragic divorce statistics we see.
Love is so much more than passion. Love is intimacy—emotional, spiritual, and physical. It's being there for your mate. It's loving him or her with patience, kindness, without arrogance ... All those things we've been talking about.
Yes, Russ and I have been married 24 years, and believe me, there have been times when passion has stagnated. There have even been times when I really didn’t like what Russ did—and wondered “Who are you and what are you doing in my house?” It was during those times when I chose to love him.
Russ is my best friend. He’s the one who knows me inside and out—and loves me anyway. He’s the one who puts up with my bad moods (yes, I do have them occasionally!), who supports my passion for ministry, who cooks yummy meals, and who I know will be there for me no matter what.
Our love has endured.
If you’re married, please don’t listen to the world’s lies. The grass really isn’t greener on the other side. It’s probably just AstroTurf—a facsimile of the real thing. And if you aren't married yet, but hope to be some day, remember these words. Remember to focus on the marathon, not the sprint.
Choose to love your mate. Love, honor, and cherish, even through the difficult times, even through those times when your mate just isn’t lovable.
Run the race. Finish the marathon.
Endure.
Monday, April 02, 2012
Enduring Temptation and Trial (1 Cor. 10:11-13)
Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come. Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.
(1 Corinthians 10:11-13, NASB)
Sometimes I reread a verse I’ve read many times before, and I’m struck again by how God blesses His children.
Many Christ-followers are familiar with verse 13: No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. And it gives me both peace and confidence.
Peace because I know God is faithful in all things, even in times of temptation or trial.
I do have to make a clarification here: I used to work with a woman who insisted that temptation meant exactly that and those who paraphrased the verse as “God will not allow you to experience trials beyond what you are able to bear” were wrong. However, when you look at the word “tempted” and cross-reference with at least one other reference using the root word (see 2 Peter 2:9), you find it does also mean trial. The Amplified Bible helps clarify even further:
Trials will come. Since the fall in the garden, they’re just a part of life. But we can be confident that our faithful God will see us through.
Praise Him!
(1 Corinthians 10:11-13, NASB)
Sometimes I reread a verse I’ve read many times before, and I’m struck again by how God blesses His children.
Many Christ-followers are familiar with verse 13: No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. And it gives me both peace and confidence.
Peace because I know God is faithful in all things, even in times of temptation or trial.
I do have to make a clarification here: I used to work with a woman who insisted that temptation meant exactly that and those who paraphrased the verse as “God will not allow you to experience trials beyond what you are able to bear” were wrong. However, when you look at the word “tempted” and cross-reference with at least one other reference using the root word (see 2 Peter 2:9), you find it does also mean trial. The Amplified Bible helps clarify even further:
For no temptation (no trial regarded as enticing to sin), [no matter how it comes or where it leads] has overtaken you and laid hold on you that is not common to man [that is, no temptation or trial has come to you that is beyond human resistance and that is not adjusted and adapted and belonging to human experience, and such as man can bear]. But God is faithful [to His Word and to His compassionate nature], and He [can be trusted] not to let you be tempted and tried and assayed beyond your ability and strength of resistance and power to endure, but with the temptation He will [always] also provide the way out (the means of escape to a landing place), that you may be capable and strong and powerful to bear up under it patiently.And so, I can be confident that not only will God not give me anything more than I can endure, but He’ll also give me the strength to endure it.
Trials will come. Since the fall in the garden, they’re just a part of life. But we can be confident that our faithful God will see us through.
Praise Him!
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
He Restores My Soul (Ps. 23:3)
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
(Psalm 23:3, KJV)
So often I feel weary—to-the-bone weary. My daily pain is beyond my ability to handle. I have no strength. I honestly don’t know how I’m going to make it through the day.
I’m in need of restoration. In need of strength.
And so I pray for the strength that comes only from my Shepherd. And He restores me.
Even though I, like Paul, would like the “thorn” of pain and weariness to go away, I believe—just as Paul did—the words of Jesus: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” And so I can echo Paul’s words, “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (1 Cor. 12:9-10).
Not only does my Shepherd restore my soul, but He helps me to grow more righteous. One definition of righteous is “free from guilt or sin.”
Because of God’s love for me, He sent His Son—part of Himself—to pay the penalty for my sin. And because I’ve been cleansed from that sin, because I’m “whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7), in His eyes, I am righteous. I’m free from guilt or sin.
And that thought alone restores my soul!
(Psalm 23:3, KJV)
So often I feel weary—to-the-bone weary. My daily pain is beyond my ability to handle. I have no strength. I honestly don’t know how I’m going to make it through the day.
I’m in need of restoration. In need of strength.
And so I pray for the strength that comes only from my Shepherd. And He restores me.
Even though I, like Paul, would like the “thorn” of pain and weariness to go away, I believe—just as Paul did—the words of Jesus: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” And so I can echo Paul’s words, “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” (1 Cor. 12:9-10).
Not only does my Shepherd restore my soul, but He helps me to grow more righteous. One definition of righteous is “free from guilt or sin.”
Because of God’s love for me, He sent His Son—part of Himself—to pay the penalty for my sin. And because I’ve been cleansed from that sin, because I’m “whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7), in His eyes, I am righteous. I’m free from guilt or sin.
And that thought alone restores my soul!
Saturday, August 27, 2011
The Blessing of Endurance (James 5:9-11)
Do not complain, brethren, against one another, so that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.
(James 5:9-11, NASB)
Endurance.
Webster’s Dictionary defines it as “the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; especially : the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity.” James refers to Job, who is certainly an example of one who withstood hardship or adversity.
And he received God’s blessings after he endured (Job 42:10-13).
Many of us have had our own “Job moments.” Perhaps you’ve lost a child. Or a home. Or your health. You’ve experienced tragedy and hardship and suffering. Maybe you are still.
And too often, instead of enduring, we try to cover up our pain through alcohol or drugs or rejection of God.
I’ve mentioned in previous blogs that I covered my own suffering through the latter. I turned my back on God whom I blamed for allowing sexual abuse and emotional pain. I didn’t endure.
After I made my way back to God and recognized His compassion and mercy, I experienced new suffering—I continue to suffer today.
But now I’ve learned to endure because I know God is compassionate and merciful. I know He loves me through the pain. I know He gives me strength through my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). I know I can crawl on His lap and cry out to my Abba.
And one day, after I’ve endured all this world throws at me, I will stand pain-free in the presence of my Lord God (Rev. 21:4). And I pray He’ll smile at me and say, “Well done, my daughter. Well done.” (See Matt. 25:14-30.)
(James 5:9-11, NASB)
Endurance.
Webster’s Dictionary defines it as “the ability to withstand hardship or adversity; especially : the ability to sustain a prolonged stressful effort or activity.” James refers to Job, who is certainly an example of one who withstood hardship or adversity.
And he received God’s blessings after he endured (Job 42:10-13).
Many of us have had our own “Job moments.” Perhaps you’ve lost a child. Or a home. Or your health. You’ve experienced tragedy and hardship and suffering. Maybe you are still.
And too often, instead of enduring, we try to cover up our pain through alcohol or drugs or rejection of God.
I’ve mentioned in previous blogs that I covered my own suffering through the latter. I turned my back on God whom I blamed for allowing sexual abuse and emotional pain. I didn’t endure.
After I made my way back to God and recognized His compassion and mercy, I experienced new suffering—I continue to suffer today.
But now I’ve learned to endure because I know God is compassionate and merciful. I know He loves me through the pain. I know He gives me strength through my weakness (2 Cor. 12:9). I know I can crawl on His lap and cry out to my Abba.
And one day, after I’ve endured all this world throws at me, I will stand pain-free in the presence of my Lord God (Rev. 21:4). And I pray He’ll smile at me and say, “Well done, my daughter. Well done.” (See Matt. 25:14-30.)
Monday, February 14, 2011
Love Endures All Things (1 Cor. 13:4-7)
Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love endures all things.
For the last 14 days, we’ve looked at different attributes of love as described by the apostle Paul. This last attribute reminds me that true loving relationships are marathons, not sprints. They’re enduring, long-lasting, strong. This is especially true—or should be—in marriage.
Our world would tell us that love is all passion, and when the passion dies, so does love. Passion is a sprint. And it does ebb and flow. So if your focus is on passion, you’ll hit the finish line and then think it’s all over. The race has been run; now onto the next sprint ... Thus the tragic divorce statistics we see.
Love is so much more than passion. Love is intimacy—emotional, spiritual, and physical. As I mentioned yesterday, my husband and I have been married almost 23 years, and believe me, there have been times when passion has stagnated. There have even been times when I really didn’t like what Russ did—and wondered “who are you and what are you doing in my house?” It was during those times when I chose to love him.
Russ is my best friend. He’s the one who knows me inside and out—and loves me anyway. He’s the one who puts up with my bad moods (yes, I do have them occasionally!), who supports my passion for ministry, who cooks yummy meals, who takes care of those "handyman" things around the house, who cares for me when I'm not feeling well, and whom I know will be there for me no matter what.
Our love has endured. If you’re married, please don’t listen to the world’s lies. The grass really isn’t greener on the other side. It’s probably just Astroturf—a facsimile of the real thing. And if you're still single, please hear me: Plan on running a marathon when you marry.
Choose to love your mate. Love, honor, and cherish, even through the difficult times, even through those times when your mate just isn’t lovable.
Run the race. Finish the marathon.
Endure.
(1 Corinthians 13:4-7, NASB)
Love endures all things.
For the last 14 days, we’ve looked at different attributes of love as described by the apostle Paul. This last attribute reminds me that true loving relationships are marathons, not sprints. They’re enduring, long-lasting, strong. This is especially true—or should be—in marriage.
Our world would tell us that love is all passion, and when the passion dies, so does love. Passion is a sprint. And it does ebb and flow. So if your focus is on passion, you’ll hit the finish line and then think it’s all over. The race has been run; now onto the next sprint ... Thus the tragic divorce statistics we see.
Love is so much more than passion. Love is intimacy—emotional, spiritual, and physical. As I mentioned yesterday, my husband and I have been married almost 23 years, and believe me, there have been times when passion has stagnated. There have even been times when I really didn’t like what Russ did—and wondered “who are you and what are you doing in my house?” It was during those times when I chose to love him.
Russ is my best friend. He’s the one who knows me inside and out—and loves me anyway. He’s the one who puts up with my bad moods (yes, I do have them occasionally!), who supports my passion for ministry, who cooks yummy meals, who takes care of those "handyman" things around the house, who cares for me when I'm not feeling well, and whom I know will be there for me no matter what.
Our love has endured. If you’re married, please don’t listen to the world’s lies. The grass really isn’t greener on the other side. It’s probably just Astroturf—a facsimile of the real thing. And if you're still single, please hear me: Plan on running a marathon when you marry.
Choose to love your mate. Love, honor, and cherish, even through the difficult times, even through those times when your mate just isn’t lovable.
Run the race. Finish the marathon.
Endure.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Promises ... and a Caution (2 Tim. 2:11-13)
It is a trustworthy statement:
For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
If we endure, we will also reign with Him;
If we deny Him, He also will deny us;
If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
(2 Timothy 2:11-13, NASB)
Take a moment to read these verses again. And again. We’re promised so much.
“For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him.” When we accept the gift of Jesus Chris’s sacrificial payment for our sin and commit our lives to Him, we die to ourselves, to our flesh. Our desires become His desires. And we truly live—for the first time. Living in Christ means we’re never alone (Heb. 13:5). We have peace (Phil. 4:7). We have a burden-carrier (Matt. 11:28-30).
“If we endure, we will also reign with Him.” We know we’ll face tribulations and trials on this earth. We know we’ll be persecuted for following Christ (Mark 13:13; 1 Cor. 4:11-13)). But if we persevere, we’re fulfilling God’s will for our lives. We’ll spend eternity with our Lord. We’ll “receive the crown of life” (James1:12).
But in the midst of these promises is a serious caution: “If we deny Him, He also will deny us.” We all have a choice to follow Christ. God has made salvation available to anyone and everyone who accepts it. But we know some will deny the truth. And when they do, God honors their choice.
Yet, even if “we are faithless, He remains faithful.” This may seem contrary to the above phrase, but it’s not. If someone faithlessly chooses to deny Christ, He faithfully honors their decision. This extends to those of us who have chosen to follow Him, yet rebel or turn our backs. He will always be faithful and loving and gracious. But make no mistake: He is also righteous and just. And because He is, He will faithfully allow us to make our own decisions. And He will justly discipline us if those decisions are poor.
Jesus promises that you will live with Him and reign with Him if you choose to follow Him. If you don’t, He’ll be faithful and honor your decision to deny Him. And you’ll spend eternity separated from Him.
What choice have you made?
For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;
If we endure, we will also reign with Him;
If we deny Him, He also will deny us;
If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.
(2 Timothy 2:11-13, NASB)
Take a moment to read these verses again. And again. We’re promised so much.
“For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him.” When we accept the gift of Jesus Chris’s sacrificial payment for our sin and commit our lives to Him, we die to ourselves, to our flesh. Our desires become His desires. And we truly live—for the first time. Living in Christ means we’re never alone (Heb. 13:5). We have peace (Phil. 4:7). We have a burden-carrier (Matt. 11:28-30).
“If we endure, we will also reign with Him.” We know we’ll face tribulations and trials on this earth. We know we’ll be persecuted for following Christ (Mark 13:13; 1 Cor. 4:11-13)). But if we persevere, we’re fulfilling God’s will for our lives. We’ll spend eternity with our Lord. We’ll “receive the crown of life” (James1:12).
But in the midst of these promises is a serious caution: “If we deny Him, He also will deny us.” We all have a choice to follow Christ. God has made salvation available to anyone and everyone who accepts it. But we know some will deny the truth. And when they do, God honors their choice.
Yet, even if “we are faithless, He remains faithful.” This may seem contrary to the above phrase, but it’s not. If someone faithlessly chooses to deny Christ, He faithfully honors their decision. This extends to those of us who have chosen to follow Him, yet rebel or turn our backs. He will always be faithful and loving and gracious. But make no mistake: He is also righteous and just. And because He is, He will faithfully allow us to make our own decisions. And He will justly discipline us if those decisions are poor.
Jesus promises that you will live with Him and reign with Him if you choose to follow Him. If you don’t, He’ll be faithful and honor your decision to deny Him. And you’ll spend eternity separated from Him.
What choice have you made?
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