Enduring

Hebrews 11:27 

 By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible.

For he endured.

In this chapter of heroes, we find Moses, the leader God called to lead God’s people out of the shackles of Egypt and to the promised land.

Overwhelmed with adversity, not only from his spiritual enemy, but even with the very people he was trying to help.  He endured; he toughed it out.  He refused to give up or give in.  He decided that with all the odds against him, it would never cause him to give up.

Once this man made up his mind, nothing would stop him.  He endured.

Despite the criticism of those close to him.  He endured.

Those whose words cut him deeply, did not cause him to back off from his mission.

The complaining and murmuring, the misunderstandings, and misrepresentations against him never stopped him from the challenge set before him.  He endured.

I am reminded of what the Apostle Paul said in Ephesians chapter 6 when he stated:

“ Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”

You may be in a place in your life where you are strong.  That is awesome!  However, you may be in a place where you find yourself tired, shaky, and wanting to give up.  Where your tough skin is starting to become thin.

You may be beginning to listen to the critics or finding yourself looking for approval of others too often.   

Maybe the enemy is speaking destructive thoughts in your ear.  

Even so, you must endure to the end.  The power that you possessed when God called you is still there!  The excitement and enthusiasm are still there for you to hold to.

Many times, we allow the naysayers and spiritual adversaries dictate how we work, feel, lead and live.

Sometimes we only see our adversaries.  But like Moses, when we know there is an invisible force that is greater than that adversary, we can be sure we can endure.

Whatever it is you may be facing, stand strong with the Lord!  

Walk in quiet confidence without pride.  Stand sure, without stubbornness, firm without disobedience, enduring but not discourteous, full of truth balanced well with grace on your side.

Endure to the end my friend.  The Lord is good, and He is gracious to see us through all the hard times in life.

James 5:11

Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.