November 19, Faith that Endures
He leaps into the morning air
Tribulation works endurance. Romans 5:3
Recently, a precious soul visited my office and commented on the present condition of our society, and the entire world, with the simple yet meaningful perspective, “you know, we just can’t let it get us down.” Her point of view most certainly reflected her strong faith. And with her genuine smile and Christ filled Spirit, she defined perfectly and pragmatically the expression of Christian endurance. “We cannot let this world get us down.” (“Thanks, Ms. Barbara.”)
This expression of endurance transcends the often causal and superficial optimism of the world that many mistake for faith. For, true faith most certainly resolves, this will not get me down.
Now, if you take this stance in your own strength, likely nothing much will change in your life. But, if you take the stance of resounding and tested faith, like the dear visitor to my office, then this resolve can change everything concerning your feelings, thoughts, and overall perspective.
Take a close look at the endurance God creates in us through the refining fire of tribulation. Paul encourages the Christian to view tribulations as a type of gift that produces blessings.
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance” (Romans 5:3).
This verse stands in harmony with James’ words: “the testing of faith produces endurance” (James 1:3). Many are those stoic figures throughout history who remained quiet under unimaginable sufferings simply because they were convinced they suffered for a noble cause. But such a noble resoluteness does not necessarily bear correlation with the divine endurance God promises. For God’s endurance is divinely produced in us through the Holy Spirit. And this endurance leads to a meekness in the face of sufferings while at the very same moment producing a calm waiting for the promised good that our God always brings in the midst of adversity. So, endurance can be manifested in meekness when walking through trials as well as the boldness of confidence in the calm waiting upon God. Do you live by endurance? These two expressions are indeed the proverbial litmus test: (1) a meekness of spirit and (2) courage in waiting upon the Lord.
How I pray that you sense God’s gift of endurance in your life. If not, rest assured that even in this present moment of challenge and adversity He is building in you a resoluteness of enduring faith. Trust Him. And realize that your endurance through trials depends upon what He is presently doing in your life.
No trouble seems pleasant at the time. Yet in God's economy, it is this pain which brings forth new faith. How often we hear, "I thank God for that hard time; it was the best thing that ever happened to me." Even when we may not feel the grace to thank God for our tribulation, we can thank Him for the good that comes from our fire.
Blessings.
