2 Timothy 2:12-13
If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.
Paul was imprisoned in a Roman prison when he wrote 2 Timothy, his last letter. Who else can write about endurance but the one who endured chains for God’s sake?
Endurance is the ability to withstand hardship or adversity for a prolonged duration without giving up our faith. It is the ability to stay strong in God’s grace and be faithful till the end.
To endure well, we must have unshakable faith in His goodness. We must have our roots in His Word, with Christ as the foundation and cornerstone of our lives. Then, we will be like the wise man who built his house on the rock and endured the storm well (Luke 6:48). Christ Himself endured the cross and its shame to bring salvation to the world.
Persecutions may come as we serve God. Like a good soldier or an athlete, we must discipline ourselves and stay focused with our eyes fixed on Christ (2 Timothy 2:3-5). His Holy Spirit will strengthen and empower us to have spiritual stamina.
In the crucible of suffering, we may become faithless at times. Our family and friends may discourage us from holding on, but do not quit; there is His light at the end of the tunnel! God has promised to be with us to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20). Our faithlessness cannot change Him. He is faithful yesterday, today, and forever.
The reward for endurance is that we will reign with Him in eternity. He who perseveres will receive the crown of life (James 1:12), but if we are unfaithful and reject His grace, there is the warning that He will deny us before His Father (Matthew 10:33).
The eternal life and the eternal reign that God promises for those who endure are rock-solid sure!
