Today's writing explores the meaning of the word "ENDURE" and how it applies to our lives. Some things we endure out of our own fault, but other things... read on to find out more!
Blessings,
Jan
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Today's Devotional:
"ENDURE"
by
Jan Andersen
Jan Andersen
What does it mean to you to endure? If you Google the word, the top definition is “to suffer (something painful or difficult) patiently.” There are many things in this world which we endure. That includes first of all just growing up, which has varying degrees of difficulty at different stages and for each individual, and depending upon their family circumstances, the area or country in which they live, and so forth. What you consider difficult might seem petty to others, and vice versa. Some people also suffer a lot of pain in their lives, either in illnesses and injuries, or in family dysfunctions and tragedies. The more the pain, the harder to endure.
Some sufferings just befall us for no particular reason. We chalk it up to happenstance, a fluke, or seeming bad luck. But other times we endure suffering because of something we have done. If we suffer rightly due to our own misguided or deliberate actions, then suffering for them seems almost expected and hopefully we learn to deal with the results of our own actions. But when we experience unjust suffering, it doesn’t seem fair at all. On top of that, if the attack comes from other Christians or from within the church, it can come as quite a shock. Especially when you are doing the work of the Lord and are called to that church to do so. This happens to pastors and their families more often than I care to have to report.
One of the few things that makes unjust suffering endurable when the action was done for the Lord is that it is commendable before God.
1 Peter 2:19-20 For it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because they are conscious of God. But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.
We must always remember that we are not alone when we endure suffering of any kind. God is with us through it all and will work things for our good when we remain faithful to Him. God fully understands what we are going through. Jesus endured great suffering that was totally unjust in every way. He was the perfect, spotless lamb led to the slaughter in our place to die on the cross. But Jesus rose again, victorious. As we remain faithful to the end, we will enjoy everlasting life with our loving Shepherd in heaven forever!
At the beginning of this devotion I wrote about the top definition of endure. The second meaning is “remain in existence; last.” The phrase “endures forever” where it refers to God occurs about 50 times in the Bible. It refers to his righteousness, his Word, his name, He himself, and most frequently his love. He will never give up on us. He will always forgive us by grace through faith as we repent. His love endures forever!
Dear gracious God in heaven, we thank you for your enduring love for us, and for enduring the pain of the cross in our place. Help us to endure whatever suffering this broken world has in store for us. When we suffer unjustly in your name, comfort us with your care and concern. Help us to endure in faith as we look forward to salvation, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Song:
YOUR LOVE NEVER FAILS
Jesus Culture
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"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing
with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18
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"Thin about all He endured when sinful people did such terrible things to Him,
So that you don't become weary and give up." Hebrews 12:3
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Prayers are lifted up daily for you by the Devotional Writers
and the Monthly Writing Staff of Women's Focus Ministries.
Blog Writers
Sandy Billingham, Carol Steficek,
Brother Thomas Ukwute, Jody Ward, Cathy Friberg,
Jan Andersen and Corinne Mustafa
Occasional Contributors
Kathy Bireley, Terri Baker
Kathy Bireley, Terri Baker
Lynda Kinnard, Beverley Napier,
Amie Spruiell, Linda Garrett, and Lisabeth Lipp
Thank you Jan for this very lovely and encouraging post. Suffering is so very difficult in life, and your thoughts in this post put it all into perspective and it is so very much appreciated. Thank you for the wonderful job you are doing.
ReplyDeleteHi Jan,
ReplyDeleteEnduring is something we all face in one way or another. WE are not alone in this, since all people suffer this. However, the most important part of of having a companion is as you have pointed out Jan. God is always by our side. Another well thought out writing!
Thank you,
Corinne Mustafa