2020 Daily Devotion - Day 222

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Here is an outstanding definition of endurance: Endurance is patience concentrated.― Thomas Carlyle

This is a helpful way to understand endurance. This description of endurance is even more helpful because of the times in which we are living. Endurance is not simply waiting around until things blow over. It is not just putting our plans on hold. Rather, it is disciplined with a purpose.

This is what Abraham in the Old Testament experienced. God promised him he would be the father of a great nations and as many stars as there are in the skies would be the number of his decedents. From a human perspective, this looked impossible because he and his wife were way past childbearing years and had never had children. When Abraham’s wife Sarah heard the promise, the Bible says she laughed out loud (never a good idea to do with God). However, the promise was fulfilled in the birth of Isaac and those who followed. Here is how the writer of the book of Hebrews described it:

Hebrews 6:15 ESV
And thus Abraham, having patiently waited, obtained the promise.

Certainly, Abraham had a concentrated endurance. It was concentrated on God and the fact He would keep His promise. His promise had a purpose to create a great nation to serve the living God.

You and I need to do the same. Trust God, who says He will see you through this time and give you a purpose; this purpose being to grow as a witness and disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Pray with me:
Heavenly Father, help us to have a concentrated endurance which is focused on You. Because of this concentrated patience, grow us as Your followers, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Yours because of Him,
Pastor John R. Steward
Senior Pastor
Mount of Olives Church
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