ENDURANCE IS NEEDED!

"For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise: For yet a little while, And He who is coming will come and will not tarry." (Hebrews 10:36-37)

"Patience" (KJV), or "endurance" is a Kingdom essentiality. It has to do with finishing the race, completing the route set before us, and being ready to meet the Lord. Doing the will of God–or enduring–is the required prelude to receiving the promise of God–which is everything. Those who fail to receive the promise have lived for nothing. The ultimate and summary "promise" is eternal life. As it is written, "And this is the promise that He has promised us; eternal life" (1 John 2:25). It is also called "the reward of the inheritance" (Col 3:24), "eternal inheritance" (Heb 9:15), and "the life . . . which is to come" (1 Tim 4:8).
"The promise" is the culmination of life in Christ Jesus. It will take place when we are finally "conformed to the image of His Son" (Rom 8:29), sharing Christ's glory with Him (Col 3:4), and being "like Him" (1 John 3:2). Until that takes place, we remain in a state of transition, being "changed from glory unto glory" by the "Spirit of God" (2 Cor 3:18). The work is still going on!
All of this is to say we have not yet arrived. We remain in a hostile realm, compassed with infirmity. We sorely need strength from above, an Intercessor at the Father's right hand, and the Holy Spirit within.
Endurance involves hearty and sanctified effort. We "fight the good fight of faith," thereby laying hold on eternal life (1 Tim 6:12). We also "resist the devil," exerting our wills in a refusal to cave in to his suggestions. Although we are faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, we "press toward the mark," perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord (Phil 3:14; 2 Cor 7:1).
Our text says we have need of such endurance, or patience. That means it is available, for God supplies all of our "need according to is riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:19). Do you not sense your "need of endurance?" Has not life taught you how frail you are in your own strength? I encourage you to engage in a fervent and consistent effort to finish the race God has set before you. When you face hindrances and impediments, determine to press through them, and reach the goal. There is grace available for this to be done triumphantly.

PRAYER POINT: Father, BY Your grace, I am determined to endure to the end. In Jesus' name, grant that I may fulfill this desire of my heart.

-- MONDAY: "TRANSGRESSION" OF "INIQUITY" --