Endure
April 10, 2009

“For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” – Hebrews 12:3

Good Friday. A day of mock trials, ridicule and scorn, beatings and floggings, a crown of thorns, and a bloody cross. But Christ endured. And because he endured, we can be saved.

Now, today, we also suffer as we strive to advance the Kingdom of God in the world:

• “the world has hated them because they are not of the world” – John 17:14
  
• “after you have suffered a little while” – I Peter 5:10
• “you have been distressed by various trials” – I Peter 1:6
• “we are afflicted in every way” – II Corinthians 4:8

How do we not grow weary and lose heart during times when our feet are bloody and our heads are bowed? How do we press on to victory when the enemy is pressing in on all sides?

The answer? Consider Jesus. Look to him. Focus on him. He endured more hostility than you or I will ever see. He conquered.

And because he did, so will we.

• What was the most difficult trial in your life? Or what is it, if you are going through it right now?
  
• Do you find it hard or easy to focus your attention on Jesus in the midst of a trial? Why?
  
• How can it help you to endure in your trials to truly realize that Jesus endured even greater trials for your sake?