November 7

You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. — 2 Tim 2:1 BSB

One of the secrets to living a true and successful life is learning to endure. Anyone can start well, but it’s those who continue faithfully to the end who achieve success. As followers of Christ, we are called to be soldiers, and soldiers must be able to endure hardship. A life of comfort and luxury doesn’t build true character.

Some mothers try to shield their sons from all hardship, but that doesn’t prepare them for life. Imagine a soldier being kept from battle to avoid injury! Paul described himself as one competing in a race. He wanted to reach heaven, but he knew that the path to heaven involved struggle and perseverance. “If we endure, we will also reign with Him.”

In the letters to the seven churches in Revelation, all the promised blessings lie beyond battles. The only way to receive them is by entering the struggle and enduring until the end. Nothing truly worthy can be gained without endurance.