Do Not Be Discouraged .
Matthew 10:22 KJV

He that endures to the end shall be saved.

Revelation 2:10 RSV

Do not fear what you are about to suffer... that you may be tested. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.

Endurance. That’s an interesting word, interesting concept. Dictionary.com defines endurance: the ability or strength to continue or last, esp. despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions; stamina. First of all, I want to clarify that I don’t believe God tests us. He loves us and would never do anything harmful or hurtful to us. Life, though, does require endurance, in so many arenas. The situations we find ourselves in and the people who “persecute” us are not of God’s plan. He does, though, allow us to endure everything because of His love and mercy. We are able to endure anything, because we have been promised heaven.

Sometimes our endurance simply involves getting through a busy day after a restless night, with little sleep. Sometimes it involves a job loss or dissolving of a friendship, or death of a loved one. We have the endurance of our Heavenly Father to sustain, nurture and comfort us. That’s how we avoid becoming discouraged in the long-term. I have found that in the times I do feel discouraged it is because I rely upon my own wisdom, knowledge, strength, energy to get me through a situation.

God waits for us at the end of time. To get us through the here and now, though, He sent Jesus Christ. Jesus is our role model for endurance. He suffered a humiliating and excruciating death – by choice, in obedience. It is as if He calls out to all of us, “see, you can bear all things through me.”

The crown of life mentioned here is not referring to our current life, in our human form. John reveals that He saw mankind perfected, reflecting God’s light and love. That is what awaits us: perfection—of our minds and of our souls. Our bodies will not matter then, because our existence with God will transcend any physical reality we can imagine!

My prayer today is that you will rely upon the stamina and endurance of Christ. And that you overcome any adverse condition in which you find yourself because of the gift of God’s son.

Mary

P.S. Sometime ago I wrote a poem dedicated to a friend going through a very difficult time spiritually. Recently, my own family has experienced some potentially discouraging times. We have very much needed the endurance of Christ. I hope this will minister to you as well:

Do Not Be Discouraged

Do not be discouraged.
Do not feel afraid.
You are the most precious
of all that God has made.

Do not be downhearted.
Do not feel alone.
You are God’s beloved
And his heart is your true home.

Do not be unsettled.
Do not feel adrift
You are from the Spirit breathed
And your life is a precious gift.

Do not be sad or angry.
Do not feel betrayed.
You are the Son’s brother
In this great plan God has made.

Do not long for answers.
Do not feel confused.
You are the most prophetic
of all the voices God has used.

Do not search for comfort.
Do not feel unsure.
You were made with purpose.
And for this world you could be the cure.

Do not be discouraged.
Do not ask God why.
You are his beloved
And he waits for you in the sky.  ¶ 9:14 AM