Endurance and difficulties are part of every Christian’s life. It’s unavoidable. There is a great concern that when it is some people’s turn to face hardship, they may not act as children of God should act.
The scripture says: “For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise…” (Hebrews 10:36) To endure or persevere is one of the keys to victory. Anyone can go into battle, but only those who stand until the end are counted as conquerors. Therefore, the Bible makes it clear that we need endurance.
The second part of the verse states that after doing God’s will, we will receive the promise. And what is the will of God in this regard? God wills that His children overcome the problems that hinder them from a life of victory. He wants us to face our giants, just like David did. When Goliath was threatening the people, could God Almighty not strike him down and kill him? Could he not just say a word and make Goliath disappear? Indeed, He could! Likewise, is it possible for God to just click His fingers and make everything better inour lives? Yes, He could.
But God does not work like that. Just like David, we too have to face our problems head on. Why? Because through that problem, we are going to manifest faith. We are going to develop a steadfast spirit. A bold character will grow in us. And when other problems come, we will be strong enough to overcome. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4). Dear reader, we cannot run away from our problems – no matter what they are. Because if we run, we will never overcome. If we shrink back, we deny the power that faith holds. The Bible says: “But my righteous one will live by faith. And if he shrinks back, I will not be pleased with him.” (Hebrews 10:38) If we are the righteous ones of God, it is our duty to live by faith.
It is our obligation to conquer what we want by faith and nothing else. Maybe the giant you are facing is called unemployment, divorce, sickness, etc. This problem is staring you in the face and telling you: I will kill you and you will not overcome. You have two choices, you can either run away and be defeated, or you can fight this problem by faith and be victorious. The choice is yours: Will you endure or will you give up?
Bishop Marcelo Pires