Today’s 333 Devotional: “How Can We Endure?”

When we see what’s happening to Christians around the world, the martyrdoms and loss of freedom, along with the loss of freedom in our own country where religious freedoms are touted, we’re tempted to cry out as Esther did to King Ahasuerus for the safety of her people.

“For how can I endure to see the evil that will come to my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my countrymen?” (Esther 8:6)

We should always be verbal and proactive in helping those in need. Take for instance the Apostle Paul. Seeing the need of the saints in Jerusalem he sought help from the churches in Asia.

“Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the saints there. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.” (Romans 15:25-26)

When we see brothers and sisters in the Lord in trouble or under persecution, we should lift our voices to God and those in authority to keep them safe from harm, and not lose heart in the process, but endure.

“But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.” (2 Thessalonians 3:13)

The Apostle James said we are to endure temptations, including the temptation to give up, because when we endure to the end, we’ll receive the crown of life (James 1:12).

The writer of Hebrews picks up this same theme saying, “Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross … consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

How can we endure, only though the grace, mercy, and love of our Lord Jesus Christ.