Endurance – November 22, 2024
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 102; PM Psalm 107:1-32; Mal. 3:1-12; James 5:7-12; Luke 18:1-8
A couple of years ago, we went to Dollywood during the week of Thanksgiving. Over six million lights adorned the theme park, sparkling in anticipation of Christmas cheer. Our daughter wanted to ride some rollercoasters, and Sam happily took her on one. As we walked further in the park, there was another mid-level coaster that she wanted to try. I agreed to take her on the twisty-turvy Fire Chaser Express. After a long wait, we finally boarded, and wow! A bell rang and the coaster launched from the barn.
I was terrified! I think I screamed. I know I closed my eyes. As the car careened left and right around the track, I recall groaning involuntarily. Maybe I laughed some – that awkward laughter that bursts forth when we don’t know what else to do. I braced myself, for I knew that it would cease in about two minutes. And Josephine was next to me, having a grand time.
I recall that ride when it feels like spaces in life are way out of my control – and all I know to do is brace myself. Breathing in, breathing out, I slow down as I can. The storm will pass, and I am not apart from God in those harrowing moments. The word in my prayers the last few weeks has been endurance - the capacity to get through difficulty or to withstand “wear and tear”. We all have those areas of our lives that feel stressful and disconcerting. Like me, do you wonder when resolution will come about and what your role can be in this process?
In the Letter of James this morning, words of encouragement are offered: “Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You also must be patient. Strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” (5:7-8) The Greek word for “patient” is literally translated as “long-spirited”; I love the image of having a long fuse of spirit and faith.
This next part of the scripture is important to not miss: “Beloved, do not grumble against one another, so that you may not be judged…Indeed we call blessed those who showed endurance. You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.” (v. 9a, 11) As siblings in Christ and children of God, our challenge is to build up one another in stressful moments, rather than back-biting, groaning, and complaining against one another. As such, we channel our energies into the purpose of perseverance.
We don’t always know how long hardship will be upon us. We do not know when the Lord is returning. Holy Scripture reminds us that until the return of Christ, God is still present, calling us to return in faithfulness and love. But, maybe we wonder if we are too far gone, or if the way is too hard, or if there is really a purpose. Jesus tells his followers in Luke 18:1 to keep praying and not to lose heart. With God’s help, let’s hang on, friends.
In God’s love,
Katherine+
Daily Challenge:
This is the day in the church when the author and spiritual guide C.S. Lewis is remembered. Take a moment to read more about his life and writings. May his journey and reflections deepen the ways you live into Christianity.