2 minute read.
Daily Reading: Jeremiah 48:1-49:22 ESV, 2 Timothy 4:1-22 ESV, Psalm 95:1-96:13 ESV, Proverbs 26:9-12 ESV
Daily Verse: “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions,” (2 Timothy 4:3 ESV)
ANECHOMAI (430): “This word signifies “to hold up against a thing and so to bear with” (ana, “up,” and echomai, the middle voice of echo, “to have, to hold”).[1]
Hold up against.
Enduring means holding on for dear life, trusting God’s got whatever lay before you. Some days, enduring to me means just getting out of bed. At times in my life, the darkness felt closer than the light, barely able to see the white pinpoint in the distance guiding me. But I could see it; God did guide me and still does.
Paul’s preparing Timothy for future hard times when people don’t care about the truth. Instead, they will chase their desires, which never ends well. Following a path of our design leads us to unfortunate places. And at some time or another, we all make bad choices. Jesus teaches us how to forgive ourselves and others.
Grace strengthens.
Christ helps us endure by extending grace. Receiving forgiveness for our sins lightens the load and gives us room to breathe. Pursuing righteousness by focusing our thoughts on Jesus, which lets us do what He did, changes lives.
The world will change when Christ’s followers become known for their love first and foremost. We help others endure by loving them for Jesus. Troubles come with life for everyone; Christ said they would:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)
Find peace in Jesus; He overcame the world. Because of Christ, you do too. Eternal life with Jesus begins the moment you let Him into your heart. Let the Savior help you endure this life.
[1] Strong, J., & Strong, J. (2010). The New Strong’s expanded exhaustive concordance of the Bible. Greek Dictionary of the New Testament (p. 26) Thomas Nelson
