Grace to Endure

This is why I endure all things for the elect: so that they also may obtain salvation. —2 Timothy 2:10

I once observed a woman live out 2 Timothy 2:10 in a heartrending situation. Her husband was unfaithful as their children were nearing their teens. Yet she kept her eyes on Christ and endured the pain for His sake and for the sake of her kids (while still taking steps to confront her husband’s sin).

During one moment, her son said, “Mom, I’ve been afraid to get married because I’m scared I’ll hurt my family the way Dad has hurt us. But you’ve shown him forgiveness and love—your example makes me want to show that same kind of commitment to my family someday. You make me want to be a godly testimony to others.”

The apostle Paul was willing to endure suffering so other believers could grow spiritually. And we, too, must remember what’s at stake. God may not “fix” everything as we would wish, but He will surely give us the grace to endure as we embrace by faith the mysterious purposes and ultimate outcome of our suffering.

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The Quiet Place: Daily Devotional Readings ©2012 Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Scripture taken from The CSB