Ministry definitely requires endurance. There are times when it seems all we are doing is enduring. Yet, I do not believe the Lord wanted our service to Him to be about tolerating and making it through. I know He wants to use everything that comes into our lives to prepare us of His Kingdom in eternity.
Hebrews 12:1-2 “Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.”
Witnesses – We are being watched! Not news to a minister’s wife is it? There are those who are watching that love us and are praying and those who are watching that are not on our side and criticizing. In spite of this, we should be encouraged to endure, for there are those who are watching that are waiting to share eternity with us.
Lay Aside – Sometimes the reason enduring is so difficult is because we are weighed down with the things of this world. Lust, greed, selfishness, laziness, gossip, unforgiveness; the list goes on and can be identified as SIN. Sin is very heavy to carry which is why Paul says, “lay aside.”
Keep Eyes on Jesus - This is definitely the key! Endurance will be there when we need it if our focus is on Jesus. He is our strength and our joy!
– We will not give up if we are looking to Jesus. Instead of trying to get out of our circumstances we need to ask to be “perfected” in our faith. Rejoice in the race because eventually you will be with the Father.
Discipline is not easy and in Hebrews it says that it is painful, but if we endure we are promised that we will yield the fruit of peace and righteousness! I want that, how about you?
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