We are told in scripture in many places about the importance of endurance.

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” James 1:12.

We know that those who run in a race need endurance to finish the race that they had set out to do. This is especially true of those who are involved in long distance running events. These runners soon learn the importance of pacing themselves so that they don’t get burned-out before the end of the race.

This analogy of running in a race is a good comparison to the endurance needed in the spiritual race we run in this life. For when troubles come, and they come to all of us, we need a long-term perspective of the road ahead of us, otherwise, our present circumstances will dishearten us so much that we lose sight of the finish line ahead.

The Race of Faith
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” Hebrews 12:1-2.

I believe that our monetary trials are preparing us for the very difficult days that lie ahead. Just like the athlete that prepares every day with training, his muscles are being stretched and strengthened so that he or she can withstand a longer or more strenuous workout ahead.

For in the days ahead when the national grid has shut down, when the economy has collapsed, and food and water is scarce, the trials that you have endured earlier, will have strengthened you for these dark days ahead.

I personally don’t believe that we will have been raptured out of the coming tribulation which is to come. I believe that God will supernaturally provide and sustain His saints in the wilderness during those dark days. Our faith which is more precious than fine gold, will have been purified and we will shine like bright lights in the midst of a world where many will have lost hope, and will have given themselves over to the mark of the beast.

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ…” 1 Peter 1:7.

Some think that they will be saved from these trials and tribulations which are to come. This sounds like a way out that God would provide for us . They would say, “Surely, a loving God would take us out of a world where evil is running rampant and fear and confusion would cause many to even take their own lives.” My answer to that is that a loving and just God would have used our previous trials and persecutions as a way of preparation for us. To be kept from the hour of testing which is to come upon the entire world, may well mean that we are saved from the time of wrath, and not the time of tribulation.

Remember that even many of the apostles suffered in various ways and lost their lives because of the gospel. We know that even today, there are many in other countries who suffer, are persecuted, and have been killed for their faith.

In conclusion, endurance and steadfastness are important attributes now, and they will become even more and more important to us in the days ahead.

Selah,
~ Stephen Hanson

Stephen Hanson of In His Truth Ministries came to the LORD is a special way in 1975 and has prophesied regularly since. In these end-time birthing pangs we are reminded that judgment must first begin with the household of God. Will we be prepared and ready?

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