Luke 21:19
"By your patience possess your souls."
Jesus is speaking here of the end times.
In the previous verses, He promises hardship and persecution. False teachers
will arise. Wars will begin. Parents will turn on their children. Christians
will be put to death. These troubles, however, can be endured if one has a mind
focused on the end goal. With a clear picture of eternity in mind, such trials
appear as nothing. Listen to Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 4:17-18:
"For our light affliction, which is
but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of
glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things
which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things
which are not seen are eternal."
As Christians, we endure trials patiently
knowing that in the end, the reward is great. We endure trials joyfully because
we know that the testing of our faith produces patience (James 1:2-3).
Patience of this caliber demonstrates a
trust toward God. We endure with patience because we trust the God who is
directing our every step (Proverbs 16:9). His ways are perfect, not ours. His
ways are just, not ours. If we will fully trust Him and surrender ourselves to
His plan, we will walk in a manner of life far superior to that in which we
previously walked.
Through patience, our peace is kept and
our minds set at ease.
I will apply this verse to my life today
by thanking God for specific trials I have endured which gave me greater
patience.
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