Connecting Point: Endurance and Recollection

For word history, the Cambridge Dictionary shines as one of the best, and those folks say that Endurance is “The ability to keep doing something difficult, unpleasant, or painful for a long period of time.” I’m betting, immediately, you’re thinking of a time when you worked tirelessly. You felt the urgent motivation to endure. I want you to ponder that thought for a moment.

Several years ago, I was snowmobiling with a friend in the windy mountains

outside Libby, Montana. After a morning of some fun in the snow we made a poor decision to run down the mountainside of a huge clearing. In a matter of two minutes, the snow all around us gave way into my one and only minor

avalanche. Although we had no control, we each picked a small tree to stop our machines. We wasted the better part of two hours attempting to free the machines. Then, we walked out. I calculated the walk to be the better part of 15 miles: and after exhausting ourselves attempting to free the machines.

We read of exemplary individuals in the Bible who overcame hardships, Job,

Moses, David, Esther, Paul, and many more. Countless others are not

individually cited in the Bible, specifically the first-century Hebrew Christians. Their decision to follow Jesus was no easy task. As chapter ten closes we find these inspiring words:

“Remember those earlier days after you had received the light when you

endured a great conflict full of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly

exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You suffered along with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property because you knew that you

yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your

confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. For, ‘In just a little while, he who is coming will come and will not delay.’ And ‘But my righteous[g] one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back.’ But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved,” (Hebrews 10:32-39).

The message of perseverance is a mainstay for the Christian, and shrinking is not an option at the heart of the author. How might any Christian, in the

first-century or in our century, be guided in the face of adversity?

First, remember your initial decision to follow Jesus. Those Hebrew Christians embraced the cause of Christ, despite being ostracized by friends, and even family. Furthermore, the first-century culture was intolerant towards Christians; being beaten and even jailed was normative. Take notice of the depth of faith and joy these Christians had; incarceration along with confiscation of personal property caused them to take stock of all that matters in life. I cannot help but wonder if similar actions today would cause Christians to have something other than joy.

Second, remember Jesus is coming back for those who persevere. Momentary hardships can cause any Christian to take their eyes of the promise of Jesus’ return. However, we are all encouraged to stick with our faith and confidence, which is found only in Jesus.

Third, remember your fellow sojourners. Christian companionship provides comfort when adversity hits, there is a sense of solace in knowing others are

suffering. Endurance is a necessity and is not an option.

Remain steadfast, friends.