Enduring and enjoying may sound like they don’t go together but as we will see from this study, they usually go hand and hand. Jesus taught in Matthew 13 that the tares were not to be uprooted lest the wheat be pulled up too. We too, have times of enduring situations of struggles and stresses, but as we will see, they can produce strength and joy in us as we keep our eyes and heart focused on the good that God can bring to us, regardless of the situation.

We usually think of enduring as just a hardship of a time we are going through, but it also means fortitude. To endure also means to persist. Having a sense of fortitude indicates a strength of mind that enables us to carry on, either in danger or in everyday responsibilities. God wants us to be strong in mind and not be fearful of any situation that life presents to us. (2 Timothy 1:7) A persistent person continues in spite of difficulties. As believers in Christ Jesus, we continue to believe in Him and His Word at all times.

To enjoy something means of course to take pleasure or satisfaction in what we’ve accomplished or in a gift given to us. We are to rejoice in our Lord God and His Salvation in Jesus. (Habakkuk 3:18) We are to rejoice because in Him we have righteousness and an upright heart. (Psalm 32:11) Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that when we take joy in our Lord, we are strengthened. Hallelujah! So, no matter what we are going through, good times or rough times, we gain strength (physically, mentally, and spiritually) from God when we keep our focus on Him.

There are parallels, or should we say comparisons, between enduring and rejoicing. Second Corinthians 4:7-9 teaches that though we are troubled on every side (in our personal lives or in our country), as believers we have within us the power of God and our faith holds us close to Him, and thereby we are not distressed, perplexed, forsaken, or destroyed.

We also need to remember that endurance gives indication to overcoming, which means to conquer. As we stay true to God by living by faith, we are – IN HIM – able to conquer any problem, temptation, or situation that comes against us, or develops in our lives. What do overcomers receive?

In chapter two of Ephesians we find that IN HIM: we are made alive who were dead in trespasses and sins; we are raised up together and made to sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus; we are saved through faith; we are HIS workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works; we have peace IN HIM; and we have access by His Spirit to the Father.

When enduring challenging situations arise, we need to remember that any present sufferings are not worthy to compare with the glory that will be revealed in us, for we overcome by our faith because we know that God is for us, not against us, and that we are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. (Romans 8:18, 31, 37) Believers will eat from the tree of life; be clothed in white garments; be given a new name; and sit with Jesus on His Throne. (Revelations, chapter 2 and 3)

No matter what the enduring situation is at this moment, in this lifetime, let’s rejoice always, not be anxious, but by prayer and thanksgiving hold fast to our profession (confession) of faith without wavering; walking as wise children of God. (Philippians 4:4, 6; Hebrews10:23, Ephesians 5:) When you are overwhelmed in a specific situation and feel that you’re treading in an arena of just enduring, remember to cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you, for He cares for you. (Psalm 55:22, 1 Peter 5:7)

We find in First John 5:4-5 that it is our faith that overcomes the world; those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Let’s remain strong and be persistent in our faith to believe God’s Word, and look for His blessings to enjoy.