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PROGRAM D-8405
Are you in God’s “en-group”? If so, then you’re an ENcourager, an ENlarger, and an ENjoyer. I complete this series on God’s “en-crowd” with the word, ENdure.
Paul wrote to Timothy that if we endure with Christ, we will also reign with him (2 Timothy 2:12). Paul had learned what it meant to endure. He talked often about enduring, and said he endured everything for the sake of the elect.
If we want to be in God’s “en-group,” we must learn to be endurers. I think in our culture today, it is particularly difficult for us to become endurers. We live in an instant society—we’ve become accustomed to fast answers, fast turn-around, quick satisfaction, and speedy results. To endure is not a part of our lifestyles today.
But oh, how we need some Christians who are willing to endure! So many people start out—but not too many finish. When the going gets tough, when disappointment sets in, when things get a little slow or boring, most people choose to quit. Endurance means we stay on through the tough times. Paul told Timothy to endure hardship. This simply means hang in there, live through it, don’t run away or give up.
How about it? Are you an endurer? If not, will you ask God to enable you to endure? 1 Corinthians 4:2 says “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” Proving faithful is another phrase for enduring. Far more important than talent or gifts, money or resources, is that we are faithful to ENdure.
Well, how about it? Are you ready to be a part of God’s “en-crowd”? I hope many of you will join me in asking God to make you an ENcourager, an ENlarger, an ENjoyer and an ENdurer. If you are a part of that “en-group,” you will be pleasing to the Lord and bring honor to his name.