Endurance in tough times

​11-13-22

Today's devotion is based on Luke 21:19, "You will be hated by all for my name's sake. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance, you will gain your lives."

In the longer text for today, Jesus speaks to his disciples about the end of the temple and the world. In either case, Christians need to be spiritually prepared for the great calamities of history and not be led astray by those who would deceive them. He encourages the disciples that he will help them bear witness by his Holy Spirit in the face of betrayal and persecution. Through all this, our Lord says there is a need for his disciples to have endurance.

We cannot, of course, endure by our strength. We look to the one who, for us, 'endured the cross, despising its shame, and is seated at God's throne's right hand. Remember God's call to endurance in your struggles through personal spiritual growth, life in the church, vocations in the world, mission, and evangelism. By it, you will gain your soul.
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Please pray with me: Heavenly Father, thank you for protecting and providing for us amid trials and temptations. Encourage us when we are downhearted or afraid, and give us the gift of endurance. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.