Tag: <span>endurance</span>


May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5


In music, harmony adds dimension and fullness to the melody. Its different parts work together to enhance the song, adding flavor and depth.

The same is true of the family of God. Individuals don’t do and say the same thing, but all of them work together, each using their unique gifts and abilities to bring depth and dimension to the ONE purpose.

And there’s the rub. Working together brings friction, conflict, and tension.

We all are familiar with this chafing, but often we fail to see the beauty that comes from the abrasiveness. It is in the friction where beauty is born.

Working together with other people who are broken and imperfect like us is God’s beautiful design.

We are like rocks in a stream: bouncing, rubbing, and polishing off each others rough edges.

So, let’s welcome the tension, open the door to conflict, and allow it to refine and perfect us.

If you find yourself in conflict with another follower of Jesus, don’t be surprised. Remember, we’re all still in the process of being perfected. Peter tells us, “And you are living stones that God is building into His spiritual temple.…” 1 Peter 2:5 (NLT)

Know this: God wants to use this friction in your life to polish you into a beautiful living stone for all the world to see!

Heavenly Father, I know You designed family. It’s part of Your plan, but I confess there are times when I don’t like the pain that comes with it! I want to run and hide. I want to escape the hurt, throw it to the winds and be done with it. But teach me to STAY, to embrace the pain and see the beauty. Amen.

By Kristi Huseby
Used by Permission

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FURTHER READING

Wisdom for Life’s Trials – by Charles Stanley

• Trials and Triumphs Together –  by Christa Hardin

Faith Through Trialby Charles Spurgeon

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thoughts by Kristi Huseby Thoughts by Women


Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

Experiencing hardship is never easy. In fact, it can be downright agonizing, exhausting, and depressing.


There have been moments in my life where I have instantly sensed God’s awesome presence with me during a difficult circumstance. But there have been even more instances when it seemed as though God was nowhere to be found.

While Jesus was in the garden of Gethsemane awaiting His fate, His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground as He prayed. He knew that what He was about to endure was going to be excruciatingly difficult (Luke 22:44). He didn’t even hesitate to ask God if He could be spared from the suffering.

Jesus felt utterly alone. Even His friends had fallen asleep during the most crucial moment in his life.

No one enjoys going through trials, especially feeling alone in them. But in these moments, God asks us to trust Him.

Not only did Jesus ask if His cup of suffering could pass, but He prayed for strength and embraced the will of His heavenly Father who gave Him the power to endure. As Hebrews 12:2 says, He endured the cross for the joy set before Him.

Hard times will pass. But with patience, prayer, and a heart full of hope and trust, we can live through them, knowing God can give us a deep joy that will outlast any pain and sorrow.

Thank You, heavenly Father, for the gift of Your Holy Spirit to comfort me during this difficult time in my life. I ask for Your strength to empower me, and for hope to fill my heart. May I walk through this situation trusting You and believing that You have something good in store for me and those around me. I open my heart to Your will and Your way in my life. Amen.

By Brigitte Straub
Used by permission

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Further Reading

•  How to be Filled with the Holy Spirit

 How to Fall in Love with Jesus by Sylvia Gunter

•  Salvation Explained


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thoughts by Brigitte Straub Thoughts by Women