Read: 2 Timothy 2:3-5
Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 2:3
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.
I will start this devotion by freely admitting that the Air Force basic training (at least back in my day) is not anywhere near as hard as the Marines or the Army. That said we still had to learn endurance whether that was physical endurance through PT or mental endurance through long, boring classes on the UCMJ, or emotional endurance as we listened to a DI tell us why we were complete idiots and didn’t deserve to be in the Air Force.
We need to learn how to endure spiritually. The Christian life is not always easy. We have to endure in our prayer life as we wait on the Lord to answer our petitions. Jesus talked about this in the parable of the widow who was persistent in seeking the judge to rule in her favor (Luke 18:1-8). Don’t give up, don’t quit!
We also need to endure in witnessing to the lost. Second Peter 3:9 tells us The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. Don’t give up on your lost loved ones and friends no matter how long it takes. Don’t give up, don’t quit!
Many Christians struggle with endurance in their personal Bible Study. We start and then we stop and then start again the next time we are convicted but then stop again when it gets hard. This is especially true when trying to read through your Bible in a year. Most people quit shortly after they get into Leviticus and Deuteronomy. Don’t give up, don’t quit!
Meditation for the Day: What areas of your spiritual life have you struggled with? Why do you struggle with them and how can you learn to persevere?
Assignment: Establish a 30-day basic training program to help you to build endurance in the areas that you struggle with.
For Fun: Ask someone to be your personal Drill Instructor in all four areas of your life: Physical, Mental, Emotional, & Spiritual. Set up a workout routine and ask them to help you stick to it.