ABIDING TO ENDURE

Have you ever thought about the word endure? I tend to think of it as enduring the weekly pile of laundry, grocery shopping, house cleaning. The definition of enduring is continuing firm or resolute through trials and difficulties. Hardly worthy of being used in talking about groceries or cleaning. 

Maybe you feel like you are enduring a season of trials or disappointments, that God has not shown up clearly in the situation you face so you are enduring this trial and trying to press on. Might I suggest that your job is not to endure the various trials and struggles in life but to ABIDE in God and leave the enduring to Him?

In Psalm 119:89-95, we have a wonderful picture of God in control. His laws continue unchanged from generation to generation. Did you see that? They do not change! They are grounded in His Word which stands eternal. You see, the Bible and all of its wisdom is for today’s trials and tomorrow's heartache. 

Let me give you a simple example: when you took your driving test, you studied the manual and had every law memorized so you could pass your written test. I have been driving for 31 years and have never been asked to take the written test again. Why? Well I know the driving laws are the same today as they were 31 years ago. Our gracious Father has not changed His “rules” for us today. His precious Word stands eternal and applies to our circumstances today just as they did years ago. So our job is to ABIDE in His word. 

To abide suggests acceptance without resistance or protest. Just like the driving test, I must read His Word and accept His design for my life without resistance or protest. I must memorize it so that as I am navigating life, I know the “rules” and can follow Him without making up my own rules. I love verse 93: “I will never forget your precepts (rules), for by them you have preserved my life.” 

In John 15:5, Jesus says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” I want to choose ABIDING and leave the enduring to God. He alone never changes! I will rest in abiding! I will chose to study His Word, memorize it, keep it on the tip of my tongue so as I navigate this life I can rest in His divine plan. 

Will you join me in abiding?