This Is the Day the Lord Has MadeSample

ENDURANCE IN CHRIST

In wrestling, many people try to cut weight to wrestle at an easier weight class. But this doesn't just happen overnight. Cutting weight takes lots of grueling time, and you also go through lots of temptation. Therefore, you need the endurance and strength to stick to the cut and not give up, especially when it gets hard.

Just like cutting weight in wrestling, having the endurance to stand by our faith in God can be very hard sometimes. The prophet Isaiah gives us guidance when things get difficult, ”But the Lord God helps me; therefore I have not been disgraced; therefore I have set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be put to shame." Isaiah is saying that even if we are shamed by other people for walking with God, we should not be ashamed because, in the end, we will be the ones in everlasting life with the Lord. We can stand firm in our beliefs even when others try to make us doubt them.

Like it says in Hebrews 12:2, "Looking to Jesus, the founder, and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." We can look to the Lord for the strength and endurance to help us stand by our beliefs and not care about the shame that non-believers might be throwing at us for following God's will.

Lord, please give us the confidence and strength to follow your will, even if it means being shamed by others who don't believe in you. Help us not feel ashamed for being a child of God, following your will, and praising you; Amen.

Marques Keith, 10th grade