Key Text: James 5:11 KJV - Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

Blessed or happy are those who endure the persecutions that befall them because of their faith in Christ. Job lost all his children and all his possessions in one day but he neither sinned nor charged God foolishly. On a later date Job was also smitten with sore boils from the sole of his foot to his crown. Despite the ungodly counsel given by his wife, to curse God and die, Job chose to retain his integrity and would not sin with his lips against the Lord.

There is a lot to learn from the patience of Job: The God of the good times is still God in the bad times. Brother Job understood that the loving-kindness of the Lord is better than life, so his lips could still praise the Lord despite the losses and afflictions that he suffered. Jesus, our perfect example also endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Ask the Lord for the grace to endure till the end.

Once you begin the heavenly race at salvation, you are expected to endure till the end, no matter the challenges. No man, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God - Luke 9:62. As a good soldier of Christ, you must endure hardness to obtain the promised blessing of eternal life. Many are facing the temptation to quit the race now: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. Do not give up, you are nearer the finishing line than when you first began. 

Prayer: O Lord, I pray for the grace and strength that is needed to complete this heavenly race, in Jesus name. Amen.

Reflection: But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved - Matthew 24:13.