Endurance… 

“Moreover [let us also be full of joy now!] let us exult and triumph in our troubles and rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that pressure and affliction and hardship produce patient and unswerving endurance.

And endurance (fortitude) develops maturity of character (approved faith and tried integrity). And character [of this sort] produces [the habit of] joyful and confident hope of eternal salvation.

Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.” Romans 5: 3-5 AMPC

 

This is going to be a short post that was supposed to be another “A Verse & A Prayer” post but is turning more into a devotion. I’ve not elaborated on, nor have I tried to cover my own personal suffering when writing these posts. However, I’m writing this because I have several people whom I love and care about on my heart who are suffering right now. Both family members as well as brothers and sisters in Christ whom I have never even met in person but who have made an impact on my heart.

I love the inline commentary of the Amplified Bible in most cases and this set of verses is no exception. This set of verses can be a hard truth to swallow when we’re hurting. However, after reading, praying, and meditating over these verses I can really see it’s encouragement. It is in our darkest moments that we must realize that this life is fleeting. As our Father and Creator, God is moulding us into the masterpieces that He started when He formed us. In these sufferings He is continuing to refine us into pure gold. As these verses state He is producing endurance within us. As I close this post let’s look at these encouraging verses and remember that God loves us and is working on our behalves even when we can’t see Him.

 

“a bruised reed he will not break,

    and a faintly burning wick he will not quench;

    he will faithfully bring forth justice.“ Isaiah 42:3

 

“The Lord is like a father to his children,

    tender and compassionate to those who fear him.

For he knows how weak we are;

    he remembers we are only dust.” Psalm 103:13-14

 

Father God, I humbly bow at your feet with a bleeding heart this morning. My Christian brothers and sisters and I are suffering and troubled today and while we know that Your inspired word is holy and living, we are fragile and broken children. Please God, have mercy on us and look upon us with Your grace and compassion. We need to feel the warmth of the glorious light of Your face shining down upon us today. You promise us a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:5-7), and an inexpressible joy (1 Peter 1:6-8). Please pour out those things into our hearts today. Fall on us Sweet Holy Spirit of God so that we might share Your goodness and show Your glory to those unbelievers who don’t believe in You. Give us each a testimony to Your faithfulness, goodness, and glory both to strengthen and refresh our own faith but also to share and empower others as well. God, You are our Father and we love You and need You. We thank You for being able to come to You as Your children because of the cleansing blood of Jesus and the salvation that He freely gives us who believe in Him as Christ our King. It is in His glorious name that we pray. AMEN!!!

 

“I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13 NLT