Endure the Circumstances!

Richard Hollerman

Have you ever been required to endure the situation in which you live? Maybe again and again you have needed to persevere through one circumstance and then another.

This can refer to all sorts of situations in life. Maybe it is the climate of the place where you live. Perhaps it has to do with the weather at a given time of the year. It may be bearing with a needed but difficult and painful job situation. It may have something to do with your physical circumstances—such as driving an old and decrepit car, or somehow making do with your unbelievably low income from month to month. It may be severe physical limitations or living near unruly or criminal type of behaviors from your neighbors. Or it may be living with a cruel husband or a bossy wife. It may be an illness or disease or injury.

All of these situations and many more may come upon you. But you then become aware of the many scriptures that counsel us to endure bad circumstances or difficult situations. But how can we do this?

Consider these passages of Scripture. James writes, “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12). Do we need to persevere like this? Are you undergoing trials? Then this promise is for you.

Jesus our Lord says, “Be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10b). Does our faithfulness bring us to the end of ourselves and cause us to face death for the cause of Christ? If it is something short of death, maybe it is harsh and painful situations. But Jesus said, “Be faithful!”

Do you need to be near fellow-believers when the world around you rejects you or treats you unkindly? Moses’ situation is good to keep in mind! Remember that He chose “to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin” (Hebrews 11:25). Sin brings a certain worldly or fleshly “pleasure” but it will soon pass away!

We do know that trials will come, but let us stand fast and persevere! Remember that Scripture says: “No temptation [or trial] has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). This doesn’t say that we “may” be able to endure it but that we “will” be able to endure it. Hold fast!

As you look at life and read through Scripture, countless examples and assurances will be found. They can keep you true and help you to stand in the midst of difficult and nearly unbearable circumstances. But God is faithful! With His help, you will be able to endure!