James 5:11 says, …we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job…” Job endured terrible trials. Was he happy when God restored and multiplied all that he had lost? Was he happy when his life-span was increased? Was he happy when his wealth was increased and doubled? Yes! He illustrates the truth that if you endure, the happiness and peace of God will be your reward.
Do you feel a burden, a weight that doesn’t seem to leave you? Are the circumstances of life bearing down on you? Is there a someone in your life—a child, a loved one—who seems to be holding you down, so that you are unable to rise to the level where you want to be in your walk with the Lord?
Hebrews 12:2, tells us to look unto Jesus, “…who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Jesus bore the burdens of the whole world—sickness, sin, poverty, oppression, depression—and a whole host of other things. Now, He is seated on the throne next to the Father, has many crowns, is exalted, and has a name that is above all names. One day, every knee will bow at the name of Jesus, to the glory of God the Father, because He endured the Cross.
Look to Jesus, the forerunner Who pioneered the way for us to follow. If you take up your cross and endure by the power of God, a crown awaits you.
There are 7,000 promises you can claim to help you through the hard times. Cling to them, meditate on them, memorize them, believe in them—His Word is true. The Word works!
You can endure and you will go from glory to glory because God wants you to rule and reign!