“In this life, victory often looks like endurance.” - Mark Dever
It can be easy to see endurance as something we gut out—clenched teeth, powering through. And perhaps there is an element of endurance that looks like that. But I think that Christian endurance looks more like Jesus, who, “…for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2
Endurance looks more like acknowledging the honest reality of the broken world but setting our hope on future glory. More like dying to ourselves in subtle and small ways that go unseen by everyone but the Father than single moments of self-denial. More like carrying a cross than seeking comfort. More like setting our minds on things eternal. More like Jesus.
Father, may endurance increase in your people for your glory and our good, in Christ’s name, and the Spirit’s power. Amen.
Amen,
AB