Called to endure
The word of God says if we don’t give up, we will reap a harvest (Galatians 6:9), but we all know that this scripture is easier to read than to live out. The process arrives first before the victory, and it’s normally in the middle of our process that we get frustrated, impatient, and offended. Nevertheless, just as we’re about to throw in the towel we remember that we are called to endure. According to Bible Hub, to endure is to “bear with patience; to bear up under; to put up with; to tolerate.” Oxford's definition says it is to remain in existence; last and also that it is a verb. Verbs are action words. Therefore, when we are called to endure we are being called to move in action so that we last and bear fruit that lasts. It’s not enough to read scripture or pray for endurance. We need to create a strategy (a plan of action to achieve a desired goal) that will help us to move into alignment with what God wants to do in our lives.
It was the tactic of strategy that helped David to survive the toughest season of his life. For about fifteen years he was in a dark season and was in constant war with his enemies. It seemed like no matter what David did he could not catch a break. Still, God was with him, and every time there was danger up ahead, David inquired of the Lord for a plan so that he would not faint. “David inquired of the LORD, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” he answered. “You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.”1 Samuel 30:8 (NIV). There will be times when we have the strength to inquire of God despite the challenges we are facing. Yet, there are moments when God will have to remind us of His character and just what He can do.
When Elijah hid in a cave because he feared for his life God ordered his steps. The Lord said to him, “Go back the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you get there, anoint Hazael king over Aram. Also, anoint Jehu son of Nimshi king over Israel, and anoint Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel Meholah to succeed you as prophet. Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. Yet I reserve seven thousand in Israel—all whose knees have not bowed down to Baal and whose mouths have not kissed him” 1 Kings 19:15-18 (NIV). Thus, when God calls us to endure it is a command to seek Him for a strategy so that we can be sustained. Your process could be your job, finances, business, school, or even you. Still, the only way we come out winning from warfare is to gain wisdom, knowledge, and understanding from the Lord.
Take some time this week to ask God for a strategy to endure.
Be encouraged,
Love Monica.
