TUESDAY June 10, 2025
Enduring All Things
Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
2 Timothy 2:10
Paul loved the Jews––the elect. He wanted to see them saved, so he endured whatever sufferings they inflicted upon him. The Jews were vehemently angry that one from among them had turned from being a Pharisee––knowing and adhering to the Law of Moses––to suddenly becoming a follower of Jesus Christ. Many Jews turned against him. They hated Paul with such passion that they wanted him dead.
It is not always easy to be a Christian. Many Christians around the world are hated to that degree, even by their own families. There are those who have become martyrs for their faith. In America, we are more fortunate and can worship Christ freely. However, we all suffer trials to one degree or another. In our walk with the Lord, we need to learn to endure.
The word endure, from several sources, gives us a better understanding of what endurance equates to. In the Vine’s Expository Dictionary the word endure means “to abide under, to bear up courageously (under suffering),” whereas the Strong’s Concordance adds “not to recede or flee.” Furthermore, it means “to preserve absolutely and emphatically, under misfortunes and trials, to hold fast to one’s faith in Christ.”
Like Paul, have you endured all things for the sake of someone else’s salvation? By enduring suffering, God can actually use your life to become a greater witness to them. They will see your enduring love in the face of their ungodly behavior. The Holy Spirit will work in their lives to convict them and bring them to repentance.
Those who oppose you will also see your enduring faith. They witness that you are willing to suffer courageously for what you believe in. Day after day they are watching your life as you abide in Christ. They cannot deny the fact that you never left following Jesus, and that speaks volumes.
The only way to learn strong faith is to endure great trials.
~George Muller~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
