Grace to Endure

There are probably certain words that bring-on a groan, and sometimes out loud: words like laundry, alarm clock, mopping, among others. I suggest something else that challenges us in many respects is ... endurance. I don't even want to think about the past goals I've set [for myself] that flopped; not because they were bad goals or even unrealistic but simply because I lacked endurance - the physical, emotional and mental stamina, the stay-with-it-ness. One Bible hero who models endurance is Daniel. One of Israel's best and brightest, he was captured and taken away to Babylon. That sounds like reason enough to feel hopeless and become discouraged - yes, to give up. That is not, however, what Daniel did! With the first test of his faith, here is Daniel's resolve: "But Daniel made up his mind that he would not defile himself with the king's finest food or with the wine which the king drank." (Daniel 1:8). Endurance - a continuing, an unyielding to pressure ... this is why God "granted Daniel favor and compassion" (V.9). Why is it so hard for us to endure? Perhaps it's because we love God only partially and not with the whole heart; our affections for Him and His Ways are divided among others things. Joan of Arc, martyred for her faith, said, "all battles are first won or lost in the mind." How interesting that God says of Daniel that he "made up his mind," at the very seat of all his emotions, Daniel set his mind to honor God first and above all all else. Hence, he endured and not just one test of his faith but many others. Daniel is one of a few Bible heroes whose record is flawless; he is an example of how to live as a Believer in a hostile world, in and through circumstances beyond our control while remaining true to God. To finish this year and every year strong - to endure the number of our days is a worthy goal. Daniel did and so can we. Let us pray daily for ... grace to endure.