ENDURANCE!

Monday, January 28, 2019

ENDURANCE!

2 Tim 2:3

3 Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

           Second Timothy contains the soul stirring testimony of Paul who said his life was about to end (2 Timothy 4:6). He wanted Timothy to understand that there would be hardships and that he should be prepared to endure them.

           The Greek uses only one word, kakopatheo, to translate both the words endure and hardness. Literally the word means to undergo hardships of various kinds.

           A soldier’s training begins with intentional hardship and discomfort. Every muscle is strained and every resolve is challenged by often ridiculous obstacles. The reason is that the enemy will not allow any relief in combat. Paul wanted Timothy to know that the Christian life was a battle against a determined evil.

           In verse five we hear Paul urge Timothy to “keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and discharge all the duties of your ministry faithfully.” Paul was about to lay down his sword and Timothy was tightening the straps on his armor.

           Our hardships today come in a variety of ways. Illnesses, lost jobs, broken relationships, and minor persecution from a godless culture are just a few examples. Christians should not be taken by surprise at these things but be able to work through them to victory. Endurance is more than just continuing to exist; it is continuing in the same manner as before suffering began.

1 Peter 4:15-16

15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men's matters.

16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

Dear Lord, many of my friends are enduring hardships. Some are sick, some are very sick, and others are embracing hard decisions. Grant them your strength and your peace until the battle is over. AMEN