APRIL 25

James 5:11

ENDURANCE

Christianity is not for weaklings. Christians are not expected to be weaklings. They are continually ghting. They fight sufferings, temptations, discouragement, others’ accusations against God, , their own sins and so on.

Let’s look at 3 Bible characters and learn of their Christian ght. e first is a young man who was thrown into the den of hungry lions. The Bible did not describe what exactly happened in the den. Imagine him sitting still and praying to God while the lions encircled him. When the lions were about to pounce, an invisible arm held them back. They tried to open their mouths but they were shut tight. What did this young man ght against? He fought against unbelief and loss of faith in God. His faith stood rm. Who was this prophet? Answer: ____________________

What about the next prophet? King Ahab tried to kill him. Spurred on by his evil wife Jezebel, the king did his utmost to put him to death. He challenged 400 false prophets in proving who the true God is. He fought against civil powers and religious teachers. He never gave up following God and obeying his Word. Who was he? Answer: ____________________

Now, let’s think about a New Testament character. His fellow country- men accused him of things he didn’t do, scourged him, spat at him, stoned him, almost tore him apart and plotted to kill him. He suffered loneliness and coldness during imprisonment. He was shipwrecked. Several times, he almost died. Against all these, he fought bravely and never gave up his faith and hope in God. Who was this apostle? Answer: ____________________

What made these heroes of faith do what they did? Their faith in God helped them endure hardships in life. They waited patiently for God to act on their behalf. From their lives, we learn that the Lord is full of compassion and grace. He is not far away and uncaring. He wants to rescue us from our troubles and to bless us. God , our heavenly Father, loves His children!

So Christians are fighters and they must endure to the end. They must be faithful to the end. What did the apostle Paul say in 2 Timothy 4:7? "I have __________ a good fight, I have __________ my course, I have __________ the faith". When we endure, we will surely receive a reward. What is this reward? Answer: _____________________ (2 Timothy 4:8)

Thought: What is important to remember when you are suffering?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the examples of the heroes of faith. Help me to persevere through times of suffering. rough them, please reveal Your love to me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.