inkhorn

I used to think I needed endurance to run the race and always saw it in terms of the strength to persevere in the face of pain, problems and trials. But I find that I need special grace and a double measure of endurance when the going is hunky dory so to speak! Life is good, I have so many blessings and in this cocoon of comfort I find my closeness with my Father slipping. It gets harder to find time to spend in prayer, harder to meditate on His Word and harder to sit in His Presence and just be. Sometimes I would rather have the pain and problems of affliction because then I go in search of Him with a sincere heart! It’s so easy to become comfortable, read lukewarm! And that’s the worst place to be spiritually or otherwise! As the author of Hebrews says, “…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith…” * The clue here is to look to Jesus – whether the going is rough or smooth. Especially when it’s smooth! ...

I prayed for endurance; I received a pride of roaring regal felines! And again, I am ready to turn tail and run in the opposite direction. Yet, He’s holding me firm and pushing me inexorably towards the den, while I feel like digging my heels in and refusing to budge. “Lord, You are a good God,” I cry. “Then how can You make me face this? How can You give me this as my lot in life? Lord, I know these lions can’t be from You. Why are You making me endure this?” And suddenly I remembered the story of Daniel and his own particular set of wild cats. So I went and read it again and found several amazing truths. Firstly, when Daniel realised that he would inevitably be thrown in the den, he didn’t change his habits and practises. He continued to pray three times a day. As far as I know he didn’t sit and weep about his imminent death, neither did he go into depression. Well, that’s something I need to get a grip on. Secondly, the king told Daniel, “Your God whom you serve continually,...

“…recall the former days in which…you endured a great struggle with sufferings…therefore do not cast away your confidence…for you have need of endurance…” * Endurance – a key ingredient in a Christian’s life, and one that I find myself grasping for. Over the past few months, it has become my fervent desire that I might have the endurance to bear everything that comes my way. Endurance – the word paints a scene of quiet strength, implacability and patience. Oh how I long for it from the depths of my soul! The past few months have also made me privy to certain unprepossessing facts about myself. I have realised that I can give up very easily. When faced with life’s uncertainties, I can lose my confidence and trust. Lack of knowledge of what the future holds, makes me wonder how, and whether, I’m going to make it. I question myself and God – how long must I wait? How much longer is this trial going to last? And recently, I’ve wondered, if I (or my family) were threatened, would I give...