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Endure to the End of What?

Article by Craig Sablich

Suffering is an inevitable part of life, and enduring it requires patience and faith. As challenges arise, whether through daily trials or significant events, we are called to bear with them firmly, to sustain ourselves without yielding. Endurance means to suffer patiently, to persevere under misfortunes and trials, not to recede or flee from the pain. Jesus Christ emphasizes the importance of enduring to the end of such events, suggesting that salvation comes to those who persist through hardships, be they the end of a job, a relationship, or other personal losses. The sufferings of the present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. Even in the midst of hardship, we must recognize that God is never far away, though the resolution of our ordeals may take time. All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. This promise assures us that every trial, no matter how severe, is part of a greater plan for our ultimate benefit. We may feel cursed or punished in the moment, but with perspective, we can trust that God is involved in every detail of our lives, shaping events for our good. Navigating obstacles mindfully is crucial, not just in enduring but in how we respond while enduring. We must strive to make sound decisions, avoid negative behaviors, and treat others with love and kindness, conducting ourselves as Christ would. During fiery trials, it is difficult to see that all things work for good, yet we must step back and have faith that God is active in our lives, accepting His will above our own. His love for us surpasses our understanding, and He works His plan over years, decades, and centuries, ensuring that every situation in our lives comes with His approval for our growth and the good of others. Enduring requires faith and constant prayer, giving thanks in all things as the will of God in Christ Jesus for us. We must remain close to God, keep fighting, and stay patient, knowing that the last page of our story has not yet been written. We have not reached the end, and with absolute confidence, we can trust that our Father and His Son are always with us, never leaving us as we face each trial.

Catastrophe to Blessing

CGG Weekly by John Reiss

Suffering often appears as a harsh and unrelenting force in our lives, yet it carries a purpose under God's sovereign hand. As the apostle Paul assures in Romans 8:28, all things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose, suggesting that even dire circumstances will ultimately benefit God's people. This concept mirrors the idea of eucatastrophe, where tragic events transform into good outcomes. The life of Joseph illustrates this, as he endured repeated trials, only to reveal to his brothers that God sent him on this painful path for a greater purpose, stating that God meant it for good to save many lives. God controls our destinies, sometimes using hardships and catastrophes to shape us for our benefit. These trials, though painful, serve as tools to refine and prepare us for a greater future. James 1:2 encourages us to consider troubles as opportunities for joy, knowing that tested faith builds endurance. Similarly, James 5:11 highlights the perseverance of Job, showing that the Lord's compassionate and merciful intent becomes evident in the end. God's correction through suffering is often not punishment but a nudge in the right direction for our good. Suffering with Christ, as Paul notes in Romans 8:16-17, aligns us with Him, fostering a deeper understanding of what it means to be a child of God. The obstacles we face are instruments in the hands of a Master Sculptor, molding us into the people He desires us to be. We must remain patient, trusting that everything He allows will bring us closer to His vision for us, ultimately turning all catastrophes into ultimate good.

Why Does God Allow Us to Be Afflicted?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

In God's hands, trials and afflictions are tools to produce refined character and joy, and to move us away from worldly choices and back to His purpose.

Power Belongs to God (Part 1)

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Paul knew that only through strengthening his relationship with God was he able to both abound and be abased. When we are in trouble, we need to contact God first.

Not To Reason Why

Commentary by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

Why did God allow this tragedy? Why do the good suffer and the evil prosper? We want answers to these questions, but Jesus points us in another direction.

Pre-Feast Annoyances

Sermonette by Ronny H. Graham

As we prepare for the Feast of Tabernacles, chances are that there will be things that test our patience and even a few more will crop up when we get there.

God's Correction of His Children

CGG Weekly by Mike Fuhrer

Trials provide an opportunity to inspect our attitudes and actions, prompting us to make adjustments, avoiding further, harsher correction from the Almighty.

Job: Things Left Unsaid

Sermon by David C. Grabbe

Even the accuser of the brethren made no accusations against Job, the first of several curious absences—things left unsaid—in the book of Job.

The Providence of God (Part One)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Calamities, trials, anxiety, evil, and calamities, as well as blessings, happen to Christians in order to become fashioned and molded into God's image.

Running God's Marathon With Christ

Sermon by Mark Schindler

Christ endured many more than three temptations; rather, He was tested continuously, and perhaps the intensity increased as He neared the end of His life.

Why Are We Afflicted?

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Affliction is a necessary aspect of life, yielding strength of character, while ease and comfort weaken us. Christ was perfected as High Priest through suffering.

Are You a Victim?

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

Both David and Job provided sterling examples for us responding to seemingly 'unfair' situations, keeping within the bounds of what is acceptable to God.

Hope in a Turbulent World

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Greek and Roman myths have shaped the world view of Western culture, including our attitude toward hope, a concept which is often abused and distorted.

The Clear Light Of A God-Given Life

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Mark Schindler

God the Father has given us life, He and His Son living their lives in us. God expects us to live now, in the moment, not waiting for a better day.

Discouragement and Trumpets

Sermonette by John W. Ritenbaugh

While there may be reasons to become depressed, there is no reason to stay depressed, realizing that God is with us the whole way.

God's Good Work in Us

Sermon by John O. Reid

Despite the privileged position of our calling, God does not cut us any slack in terms of trials and tests to perfect us. We must accept God's sovereignty.

Patiently Waiting for Christ's Return

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We must develop an active, God-given restraint and constancy in endurance while facing trials and waiting for Christ's return, trusting that God will provide.

Wilderness Wandering (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

We share in Christ's suffering, realizing that glory follows suffering. It may involve enduring hardship, deprivation, duress, and outright boredom.

Contentment

Sermon by John O. Reid

Many people live in a state of discontent. Tragically, what they set their hearts upon often displaces the love for family and a relationship with God.

It's Enough! Now, Lord, Take My Life!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Great luminaries of faith all wrestled with devastating despair. We must face depression with honesty, compassion, and unwavering trust in God.

Thankfulness (1986)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

We need to give thanks for everything, blessings and trials. Christianity ought to be an exhilarating experience, but it depends on our outlook on life.