Enduring – (def) Long lasting We many times talk about the faithfulness of God and how His love is enduring and words cannot express the magnitude of His Enduring Love. The very definition of enduring is derived from God’s long lasting love for us. Day after day, always there, always in place, and always accessible. In Matthew 3:16-17 we get to see and hear of God’s enduring love for His Son Jesus. The time was when John the Baptist baptized Jesus to begin His Ministry here on earth. Scriptures says, “The moment Jesus came up out of the baptismal waters, the skies opened up and he saw God’s Spirit- it looked like a dove-descending and landing on Him. And along with the Spirit, a voice: “This is my Son, chosen, and marked by my love, delight of my life.” What a love He has for His Son who died for you and for me. That same love is pictured in God’s enduring love for you and me. His Spirit is also resting on our lives as Jesus left the Holy Spirit with those who know Him and the power of God is seen through the working of the Holy Spirit in our lives. To know God is to know the Holy Spirit and know Enduring Love. Paul wrote about this kind of love to the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 13 where he says, “Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self and so on, and closes out with Love puts up with anything, always looks for the best, never looks back, but keeps going to the end.” That is enduring love. You may say, “I’ve never felt that kind of love” God has been showing that kind of love to you every day of your life, now mirror what He shows you to everyone you meet. Remember, it’s not just love. It’s enduring love, because it never fails…..NEVER!
When a man and woman commit their lives to each other in God’s Name in a marriage, they are committing to that kind of love. an enduring love. Sometimes I wonder when this scripture is used in weddings, if it is not just a hope instead of a commitment. Why? Because so many marriages end tragically because of the one main ingredient being left out. Enduring Love! God spoke through the prophet Isaiah in chapter 55 verse 3 and said, “Pay attention, come close now, listen carefully to my life-giving, life-nourishing words. I’m making a lasting covenant commitment with you, the same I made with David: sure, solid, enduring love.” Well, I’m paying attention and that is what I want and what I want to give. It’s something that will last and last, more than the energizer bunny for sure. It’s like a Timex watch and “takes a licking and keeps on ticking!” Enduring love. Time to pour that into your heart and see what happens. Here’s a hint: RADICAL CHANGE!! Think about this.
The Greeks had a race in their Olympic games that was unique. The winner was not the runner who finished first. It was the runner who finished with his torch still lit. I want to run all the way with the flame of my torch still lit for Him. Endurance is possible and victory is the end result. Enduring love is a love that lasts and lasts and lasts. Get you some today.
Enduring love is a lasting love and the sooner couples realize that the sooner Christian Marriages will stop failing and start following the love God has given to each of us. Here is a funny by true story about the reality of marriage.
We were visiting friends when they received a telephone call from their recently married daughter. After several tense minutes on the phone, the mother told the father to pick up the extension. The newlyweds had had their first big fight.
In a few moments, the father rejoined us and tersely explained, “Said she wanted to come home.”
“What did you tell her?” I asked.
“Told her she was home.”
If you have problems with what God is showing you in your life and want to go back to doing things your way, remember that it is not who you are anymore and you are home when you are in the arms of a loving God who loves with an enduring love.
The Pilgrimage continues….
David Warren