Thursday, April 09, 2009

Endurance

Endurance
vs.
Discouragement
Endurance is based on hope. A runner will endure rigorous and painful training for the hope that he will win the race. Jesus endured the cross and despised the shame for the joy and hope of knowing that His death would conquer Satan and bring redemption to the redeemed for all eternity. A mother's hope is that by enduring the trails of training and teaching of her children, she will one day have no greater joy than to hear that [her] children walk in truth (III John 4), and one day hear the voice of her Savior saying, "Well done thou good and faithful servant."
As mothers, we are really soldiers who are in the most critical spiritual war ever waged. The war is for our children's hearts and souls. The enemy is seeking to destroy; and there is such a great pull to lay aside my responsibility to train and teach my children in the character and instructions of God. There are days I feel so weary and tired that I want to hold up a flag of surrender and give up. But looking into the faces of my dear daughter and sons, I can not. I am reminded today that God always enable me to do what He calls me to do....obedience first, then He gives the strength to endure. Press on!

"He giveth power to the faint; and to them that
have no might he increaseth strength." —Isaiah 40:29
"And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due
season we shall reap, if we faint not." —Galatians 6:9

2 comments:

Melanie said...

Mindy, this is excellent! I am so proud of you for turning to the WORD in your weariness and then turning right around and sharing it with others. You are such a blessing to me! You are my example and hero! I love you!

Josiah and Abi Wissmann said...

"Obedience first, then He gives the strength to endure." How true! Though I'm not a mommy yet, it blesses me to read your encouragment! :) That applies to all of life!!

Thank you for sharing, and may the Lord bless you, as you walk obediently in His ways!!