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When America began military strikes against the terrorists in Afghanistan and the Taliban regime that harbored and supported them the military campaign was named "Operation Enduring Freedom". I do not know all the thinking that went into selecting the name but I had these thoughts: first this was going to be a very long war that could last for years. We will need tremendous patience and endurance to see this through until terrorism is eliminated from the world. Second, we must refuse to live in fear. Our freedoms will endure; our children will live in a free and safe country. Endurance is the key in the war against terrorism and it is the key in your personal war against the enemy of your soul. Endurance is also the key to successful completion of any major undertaking. You must be able to endure the trials and tribulations which are sure to come your way. Without endurance you will quit when the going gets rough. What is endurance? According to Webster, endurance is the ability to withstand hardship or tribulation without faltering, giving in or breaking, and to act with moral courage and strength. It's the ability to continue to perform under adverse circumstances. There are three things the Bible says we must endure. We must: 1. Endure Trials and Temptation Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him (James 1:12). 2. Endure Hardship Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:3). 3. Endure Suffering But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God (1 Peter 2:20-21). Now that you know that God wants you to endure trials and temptations, hardships and sufferings how do you develop the quality of endurance? What is the secret of endurance? THE SECRET OF ENDURANCE is to put into practice these principles from the WORD: 1) Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:43-46). 2) Consider what Jesus endured for you (Hebrews 12:1-6).
3) See the eternal rewards of endurance (2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
May the Lord Jesus Christ equip you with His Spirit of endurance. Peace be with you! Pastor Earl |
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The Secret of Endurance