Endurance

Part of life is suffering. That is an inconvenient truth. There can be many causes of suffering. We can blame it all on Adam and Eve. After all, our first parents started the mess. We could also blame it on Satan, who is not our friend. Sometimes we know exactly where the problem lies but often, we are clueless as to the culprit. The second Adam, Jesus, bore the consequences of the problems created by Adam in the Garden of Eden. Jesus, who is the “Yes” to all God’s promises, still suffered. Paul, the great missionary and author, also suffered (2 Corinthians 11:16 – 12:10). One source of suffering, he called “a thorn in the flesh.” After he pleaded three times for its removal, (it must have been quite serious) he received a word from the Lord that God’s grace was enough for him even with his limitations. That led to a surprising reversal for Paul: “For when I am weak, then I am strong”. We can endure because of God’s love and His grace. - Pastor Tom Harrison