Endurance to the Promise

“But remember the former days, in which, after you were enlightened, you endured a great struggle with sufferings; partly, being exposed to both reproaches and oppressions; and partly, becoming partakers with those who were treated so. For you both had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an enduring one in the heavens. Therefore don’t throw away your boldness, which has a great reward. For you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” Hebrews 10:32-36

So often we go through really tough times, but give up before we reach the promised blessing, feeling overwhelmed and defeated. We disengage. Paul is encouraging don’t give up. We can’t loose our boldness for God when tough things come. We must endure to the promise.

When I look back on my life, I know there are times I have endured, and surrendered the circumstances to God. There are just us many times that I have thrown my hands up in defeat and surrendered to my circumstances. I stopped moving towards what God is trying to do.

In my life, I have seen that same struggle come around again. In hindsight, I can see that God was trying to teach me something in that circumstance that I needed in the next season of my life. He had to bring it around again so that I would have the character to handle the next level He was taking me to. He was trying to refine me through the circumstances, even though He didn’t cause them.

I know there is an eternal reward when we endure. I also believe that there is a reward here on earth. It comes in the form of wisdom, and knowledge we need. It comes in the forth of growth. I comes in the form of testimony. Enduring helps us to move to the next level God has for us. Each step we take in His will brings new blessings. Those blessings rarely look like we think they will, but they will always be worth it.

Prayer – Lord, help me not to give up in the moments that You’re trying to do the most work. I know that everything I go through will somehow be used for Your glory and honor. You will use every circumstance to help me fulfill the call you have on my life. I don’t want to take shortcuts because they never work out. I am tired of detours because I decided to go my own way. Strengthen me to stand when I want to give up. I need endurance to do the will of God so that I may endure to the promise.