V. Raymond Edman said, ‘To be torn…by external forces, and still…preserve one’s inward integrity, is to know the discipline that endures.’ So when you’re faced with opposition, do you automatically throw in the towel, or like Moses, do you persevere? Chuck Swindoll characterises Moses as a man ‘who hung tough, who refused to give in or give up, who decided that no amount of odds against him would cause him to surrender…He possessed the disciplines of durability. He endured the contempt of Pharaoh…the stubbornness of the Hebrews who grumbled, blamed, complained, and rebelled…the criticism of Miriam and Aaron, his own sister and brother. When ten of the twelve spies came back with their nay-sayings, Moses stood fast. When Korah and Dathan and Abiram led a conspiracy against him, Moses remained “resolute”. “When you have fought to a standstill…stand your ground” (Ephesians 6:13 PHPS)…when the wicked appear to be winning…in times of crisis…when no one will know if you compromised… when big people act contemptibly small…when people demand authority they don’t deserve. Stand firm…keep your head…stay true…endure! You may be getting shaky…[or] begun to listen too closely to your critics. Maybe you’ve started giving in…in little areas…because you’re tired. Moses endured – even in his eighties. How? By focusing…on “Him who is invisible”. He fixed his heart and soul on the One who, alone, judges righteously. He continually reminded himself that his sole purpose was to please, obey, and glorify Him and to gain His approval at all cost.’ Whatever you’re facing, stand strong and don’t give up!

© 2024. Written by Bob and Debby Gass. Used by permission under licence from UCB International.