"Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves...
But the one who endures to the end will be saved. ..." ---Jesus
Between verse 16 and 22 of Matthew 10... Jesus lists many of the things His sheep will have to endure from the wolves of this world... He also tells us the purpose for sending Believers out into such a dangerous world... we are sent as His witnesses to an unbelieving world...
But the one who does endure to the end... he is the one who is saved...
endure... to undergo (as a hardship) especially without giving in: suffer... to regard with acceptance or tolerance... to continue in the same state: last... to remain firm under suffering or misfortune without yielding....
---Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (11th Ed.)The author of Hebrews tells us one way to endure...
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith,
who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame,
and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men,
so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews 12:2-3
Jesus endured... and we are to consider Him... look to Him... fix our eyes on Him... so we will not grow weary and lose heart...
I'm finding the more I look to Jesus... the less I look to the world for comfort... peace... security...
The more I look to Jesus... the more I loosen my grip on the things of this world...
I'm beginning to see... eyes fixed on Jesus... and a loose grip on the things of the world... lead to enduring faith... the faith that saves...
What do you have a tight grip on...?
Is there something you need to be willing to let go...? in order to get a firmer grasp on Jesus...?
It is only in Him... the Author and Perfecter of your faith... you will find the ability to endure...
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.
Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God
has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12
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