Endure We Must

"Be strong and take heart,

all you who hope in the LORD."

[Ps 31:24]

The author of Hebrews exhorts firmly and emphatically:

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess,

for he who promised is faithful. "[Heb 10:23]

In Paul's final charge to Timothy, he expounded the "godlessness in the last days" which is also prevalent today.

The challenge before us to maintain faith is no less possible for the mighty, conquering Holy Spirit. In some ways it makes our hope that much brighter and makes our reward seem that much more valuable.

We are surrounded by suffering and distress on every side. As a good friend of mine recently said; "the evening news is a report of satan's daily victories."

That cannot -- and must not -- be our focus. Let's read these God-breathed words of Paul:

"Here is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with him,

we will also live with him;

if we endure,

we will also reign with him.

If we disown him,

he will also disown us;

if we are faithless,

he will remain faithful,

for he cannot disown himself."

[2 Tm 2:11-13]

Dear fellow-believer, I pray that brings you comfort. God intended it to bring us encouragement and strength in these uncertain times. May we sing the song of the redeemed, for God will deliver his people.

In this same letter (Paul's last), he testified to God's rescue:

"persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them." [2 Tm 3:11b]

The Greek word translated here to rescue means to "draw to oneself". God brought Paul through many dangers and persecutions in order to bring him closer. His testimony now our edification.

In final closing to this letter, he proclaims from first-hand experience;

"The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen." [2 Tm 4:18]

One of our worst enemies is fear - particularly fear of death. Death shall be the final enemy defeated. God may not rescue us from it, but he has promised to rescue the faithful through it; as he so often does from the myriad of other trying circumstances of our day.

Discouragement brings about an ease to forget what we know, sometimes even believe. Remain in His Word where faith speaks to our hearts. For endure we must.

"... we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." [Heb 10:39]

Eternal Father; I praise You for Your faithfulness. Pour out Your hope upon the down-hearted and use me to offer encouragement. In the thick of life, bring to our remembrance Your Promise, Your Word, the Light of Your Son, and an enduring faith. In the Name of our Victor and King, Christ Jesus, Amen.

Photos compliment of

Lost Seed. com

(click for link)