Endurance, Part 3

Romans 2:7. "He will give eternal life to those who keep on doing good, Seeking after the glory and honor and immortality that God offers" (NLT). As I read this passage two things draw my attention. First, there is the need to continue doing the good things of life regardless of what situations that we may be facing. We are also presented with the need to stay focused on living the life that pleases God even when we are walking through the valley of trials and challenges. Second, we are challenged to continue seeking those provisions that God offers to us as we follow after Him in our developing relationship. We can not afford to allow the enemy to take away our desire to seek after God no matter what we are facing in our lives. We must continue to maintain our desire to seek after God and watch Him reveal Himself to us. The Word still encourages us to "ask, seek, and knock"; that can be a real challenge when we are living in the valley of trials and struggles. We also need to remember that God will give us the strength we need to keep going when we are exhausted (both physically as well as emotionally) and the faith to keep believing when we are discouraged. The more I think about endurance the more I think about the provisions that God has made for me to be successful in my walk with Him. It is my responsibility to recognize the strength that God will place in my life. Endurance is like the fire that purifies precious metals and hardens valuable pottery. Endurance cleanses, clarifies, and solidifies our faith. It is during those challenging moments when we are able to recognize and appreciate our strong desire to follow God regardless of the circumstances. The "tough decisions" of life allow us to be strengthened in the inner man which then brings us into a deeper communion with our Heavenly Father. Living through the trials, tests, and challenges of life is often the most significant way to discover the riches of your faith and to develop godly character. The development of our character may not always be enjoyable but it will be profitable to our walk with Christ. Do not feel overwhelmed with the challenges of life but allow those moments to develop your spiritual fortitude. The development of your spiritual fortitude will allow you to stay focused on your relationship with Christ which will provide the strength of His presence throughout the days of your walk on this earth.