Endure To The End

Matthew 24:13 (NKJV)
But he who endures to the end shall be saved.

        Endurance is a very common subject within the word of God. We will see that endurance is applied in different ways and for different purposes. Endurance is not a very popular subject among many people. In our instant society, we don’t want to wait for anything. Patience and longsuffering are two aspects of the fruit of the Spirit which require much endurance.

So many people want God to fix all their problems for good. They want Him to make all things right and never have life be difficult again. But, if we look at this verse in Matthew 24:13, we see that these people in the tribulation period will endure much difficulty for the name of Christ. The Lord wants us to remain faithful and believe Him no matter what life throws in our path. As we grow in Christ, we can think back in life. We will then realize that when we have allowed God to work out the difficulties, He has made us stronger and created great memories of victory. Working through the difficulties with God becomes a victory and not a problem when we trust Him.

        There is also endurance in love. Paul says that love, “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things”, (I Cor. 13:7, NKJV). God’s love does not fail and if we are to show the love of Christ to a dying world, we must also not fail in loving others. This is an impossible task without the Lord Jesus.

        Timothy reminds us that we are soldiers for the sake of Christ and we must be willing to fight for Christ. “You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ”, (2 Timothy 2:3, NKJV).

        There are times that we are extremely tempted and it is then that we must trust God and remain faithful to Him. James says, “Blessed is the man whoendures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him”, (James 1:12, NKJV).

        Jesus is our greatest example of endurance. Hebrews says,” For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls”, (Hebrew12:3, NKJV). Since Christ was able to endure to the end, He will also strengthen us to do the same if we believe Him.

        When we endure for the sake of Christ, He will bless us abundantly. James says, “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:11, NKJV). When we fix our eyes on Jesus and we value heavenly treasure over the treasures of this world, God will definitely bless us and reward us.

          Thoughts, comments, objections, prayer requests.

Daniel A. Smith