Endure

Scripture

So do not throw away this confident trust in the Lord. Remember the great reward it brings you! Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God's will. Then you will receive all that he has promised you. -Hebrews 10:35-36

Have you ever waited patiently for God to come through for you? You prayed, meditated on scripture, declared, and walked in faith. You waited for Him to work the situation out. "Father, you know my needs. While I wait, I don't want to respond the way that I used to. I'm praying continually, standing in faith, and declaring your word over my life." I said these words to God in a prayer as if He needed a reminder of what I was doing while I waited for Him to come through in my situation. At the time, I desperately needed a breakthrough, and I was determine not to complain to Him about my circumstance. I wanted to show Him that I was growing, and while I found myself in this challenging situation, I was responding to it differently. 

I chuckle as I think back on that time because God's response to me was Hebrews 10:35-36. I was hoping that if He saw me responding in maturity to my situation, it would prompt Him to quickly work it out. He was working on something far greater in me. God was teaching me how to patiently endure. I don't believe He was displeased with my response, but doing all these things didn't guarantee that my situation would work out right away. It was about my trust in Him and obedience to His will while I was in a tough season. He was building endurance in me through the trial. 

Beloved, God desires patient endurance to be developed in every believer. He wants us to endure to see the promise fulfilled. He doesn't want us to draw back and fall into old patterns because we haven't seen our trials worked out. If our foundation isn't built on trust in the Lord, disappointment and discouragement will cause us to draw back. Let's follow in the footsteps of just who live by faith. These believers patiently endure to see His promises fulfilled in their lives. Be encouraged today knowing that God's hand is on your life and in your situations. Don't cast off your confidence in Him, He's teaching you how to endure. 

Prayer

Father, we thank you for your strength and endurance. Give us patience and perseverance to overcome the challenges we face. Please help us to trust in your timing and to find peace even when things are tough. We rely on your strength and not own today and every day. Amen