Romans 5 (early part) talks about suffering produces perseverance, perseverance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope doesn’t dissappoint us (NIV translation).
My ESV bible translates perseverance as endurance. Not very sure what’s the difference. Personally the word endure gives me impression of somebody carrying a heavy load. While persevere like somebody continueing to reach a destination.
It’s true that suffering brings out the limit test. A test of endurance. It may sound small and limpsy. But the more i think about it, perhaps it’s one of unnoticed acts with great value in God’s eyes. Surely in this world, nobody is praised or honored because he/she endures something. Rather the praise and glory go to those who fights for their rights and won the battle.
I’m just thinking of the Lord Jesus, who endured the cross (ridicule, mockery, blasphemy, and shame). He didn’t look great there. Nobody feel great about the event. He didn’t become a hero for that. Or source of inspiration for others. Nobody picked that as lesson of greatness or success.
But God the Father honors that. And the Bible speaks many times about Jesus enduring the cross. And as Christian to endure. It’s a call like a master so the servant, or like the teacher so the disciple.
What then do i fight against? Against myself and my world. That values so little of endurance, but greatly on self-defend and self-wisdom. It’s almost of no value, somebody who’s remaining there without fighting his/her right. It’s against the nature of self that strive to oppose and rebel against anybody. And almost contrary to the teaching of the Bible of gentleness and love.
There’s time for everything. When it’s the time to endure, Lord, what will you find out of me? I’ve seen your faithfulness. In difficult times, you’re there for me. Would i be there? May you find me faithful Lord. Help me i pray.