Endurance

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

James writes, ‘Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown’ (James 1:12). Are you thinking of quitting? Life is full of quitting points, but if you throw in the towel on your marriage, your career, or your dream, you may regret it for the rest of your life. Only by staying the course can God strengthen you and make you a winner. F.B. Meyer says, ‘You never test the resources of God until you attempt the impossible.’ Quitting doesn’t build character, endurance does. It develops something in you that nothing else can; that’s why God calls it ‘blessed’ (James 5:11). It sustains courage, gives staying power to discipline, and turns dreams into reality. Nobody knew more about endurance than Jesus. He endured all the way to Calvary: when they plucked the hair from His face, when the whip tore His flesh, when they nailed Him to a cross, when His friends forsook Him, when bystanders mocked Him, when God turned His face away, and when hell rose up and cried, ‘Quit!’ The Bible says, ‘Who for the joy that was set before Him endured.’ God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). He promises that when you seek Him with all your heart, you’ll find Him (see Jeremiah 29:13). And those promises apply to you. So tell God, ‘I plan to keep going, and trusting You for the strength to break through.’ When you pray that way, you’ll find your quitting point isn’t as solid as you thought.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me see beyond the surface of people and look inside to see the best as You do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen