As believers we are called to endure temptation as we look to our faithful God to provide a way of escape (1 Corinthian 10.13). We endure under persecution in whatever form that may come against us, be it mocking, economic, or physical (1 Corinthians 4.2). We are to endure so that we do not put an obstacle in the way of the Gospel of Christ. Remember people are watching you because you confess to be a Christian (1 Corinthians 9.12). We endure so that other believers can grow in the salvation of Christ with eternal glory (2 Timothy 2.10). We endure so that we may grow as the Lord disciplines us (Hebrews 12.7). We endure to bring glory to God (1 Peter 2.20). And finally we endure so that in the end we will reign with Jesus (2 Timothy 2.12). Endure pictures a burden put upon the shoulders that we bear up and carry until the burden is removed. We can endure by the grace of God. Not mentioned specifically in these verses but very much a part of enduring are the burdens of everyday life. For me that burden is aging. For you it may be family burdens, financial burdens, burdens of decisions that need to be made. Whatever you are enduring at the moment let the verses above on why we are to endure be your guide.
We are also called to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves (Romans 15.1). And to bear one another's burdens (Galatians 6.2). We are to bear one another in love. You don't have to like them but bear with them in love (Ephesians 4.2). Bear with one another's complaints and forgive each other as God has forgiven you (Colossians 3.13).
We can only endure and bear by the power of God and with the love of God. Oh God my Father, I am so prone to give up and give in, to be overwhelmed by my circumstances and by those around me, even fellow believers. Hear my prayer and give me grace to endure my present circumstances and to bear in love and forgive those you have brought into my life. For your glory and for your gospel and for my growth I ask these things. Amen
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