08/25/2026
“Endurance”
You may be acquainted with the conversation Jesus had with His disciples and the great pronouncement of, “You will have trouble in the world, but take heart, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). In Matthew 24:12-13 our Lord gives a warning, “Because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Endure means to suffer through something hard with patience or to last a long time without breaking. It describes a person staying strong during tough times or continuing to exist across many years. Despite the hardship an individual doesn’t give up or quit. They embrace the challenge before them even though it’s uncomfortable because they are committed to the task.
On the first Sunday I became the Lead Pastor of four different churches I was met by a group of people I called the “Faithful remnant.” In each case, the church had experienced problems with many people leaving. But not all of them. A few remained. They felt called to face the task of rebuilding the congregation rather than leave. They endured the storm and reaped a harvest when the troubles passed. They were happy and blessed when what seemed to be slipping away was stabilized and grounded.
When Jesus spoke about the “trouble” in the world, He was referring to those who “lost their first love.” Individuals who had loved and served Him but now had ventured back into sinful habits. It all started by compromising that which was good for evil. “Many will grow cold,” He said, “but those who endure to the end will be saved.”
The body of Christ is called the “Church.” The Church is made up of imperfect people even though they love God and want to serve Him to the best of their ability. The Church is made up of different people with different backgrounds, gifts, and talents. Some folks are easy to get along with while others may irritate like “sandpaper.”
The time to be committed to “enduring” is before the trouble begins, whether now or in the future. Make firm your commitment to endure to the end for the sake of Christ.
Pastor Carnes
