“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what is promised.” Hebrews 10:35

 

One of the consistent themes in the New Testament is the theme of waiting and hoping. Many of the blessings we receive at salvation and which we enjoy in our Christian life are only shadows of what is to come. For instance, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a promise of the completion of the work of salvation which occurs in eternity. The peace Jesus promises is only a reflection of the eternal peace His people will one day enjoy in its completion. The Lord answers prayer and gives us health, resolves a conflict, supplies a need or gives us strength but these answers are only a temporary relief. It is only when He takes us home that all these problems and challenges will be resolved in a final way. Until then a lot of endurance is needed.

 

Endurance is necessary in the Christian life. Our faith in Christ and trust in His promise is to be active and persevering. “But the one who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13) Jesus taught over and again the importance of perseverance in prayer. “Now He was telling them a parable that at all times they ought to pray and not lose heart” (Luke 18:1) We are to persevere in Kingdom Work. “Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Gal 6:9, Romans 2:7, I Cor. 15:58). We are to persevere through trial. “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” (James 1:12) Perseverance and diligence in these things reveals a faith that is a firm foundation giving one a full assurance of hope. 

 

We give up so easily on so many aspects of the Christian life and service where we are to persevere. We are pretty good at maintaining trust in salvation but often demonstrate little perseverance in prayer. Most folks reading a newsletter like this one have shown that they can persevere in faith under trial but sometimes we aren’t so persevering in kingdom work when adversity comes. May we run with endurance in all areas that He might be glorified in us both now and when we see Him face to face.