by John Doyle
Count it all joy my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness, and let steadfastness have its full effect, that you maybe perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. (James 1:2-4)
That word “steadfastness” in Gods Word incorporates “Endurance”. James is writing to the 12 Tribes of Israel that had been dispersed to different towns and countries to help proclaim the message of hope in the Lord Jesus. They went through many trials as we read in scripture but James reminds them of God’s Promise He gave to those who “ENDURE”.
In these days of the Lockdown and the challenges we have with Covid-19 there are many who are quitting and giving up. We are seeing this politically and socially and many businesses are suffering. As God’s People lets not fall into this trap of the evil one. I am sure you are discouraged about certain things and perhaps weary with trying to be there for family and help others at this time. Its not an easy journey and many are asking God to intervene and that’s a good thing and yes we should all be praying for Gods Divine intervention in this situation that we are all facing at this time.
I am sure you will remember situations in your own life where you have had to press on in Faith and witnessed the presence of God. You found out that once you have got through it, that as a finisher you still had wounds and weariness but you still chose *ENDURANCE* because you know from life that God blesses Endurance. The Land of Promise, says Jesus, awaits those who endure – What an amazing promise from the Lord!
Let the one who is taught the Word share all things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will you also reap. So the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not grow weary of doing good, for is due season we will reap, if we do not Give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (Galatians 6:6-10)
Lets be an encouragement to each other at this time and “ENDURE” this journey together and be like Jesus who Endured to the end and then said “IT IS FINISHED”.
Its time to sing with me:
“Will your anchor hold in the storms of life, when the clouds unfold their wings of strife,
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain, will your anchor drift or firm remain,
WE HAVE AN ANCHOR THAT KEEPS THE SOUL, STEADFAST AND SURE WHILE THE BILLOWS ROLL,
FASTENED TO THE ROCK WHICH CANNOT MOVE, GROUNDED FIRM AND DEEP IN THE SAVIOUR’S LOVE”
May the Love of the Lord Jesus flow through each of our Lives today,
John and Barbara
Thank you for sharing this devotional and for the wonderful service we had this morning. Truly blessed with the preaching of Gods Word.