MUST ENDURE HARDSHIP
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
Today’s Reading:
2 Timothy 2:1-7
“You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ”. (v. 3)
Are you aware that in our world, soldiers go through hardship, both during their period of training and on the job? It may not, therefore, be strange to read in the scripture that as a believer, who is a soldier of Jesus Christ, you must endure hardship. It is confirmed that believers are enlisted as soldiers in the army of God by Jesus Christ (v. 4). “Hardship” is said to be a thing or condition that is difficult to endure or cope with. And to “Endure” means to bear or put up with, without giving up or in; it is to tolerate.
It is common knowledge that the sources of hardship on the earth include: through training (e.g. in the “forces” – air, military, marine, etc); in the operation of some professions, such as civil engineering, nursing, etc. Hardship can also come through different circumstances of life, including: of birth (e.g. Ismael, son of Abraham); location (e.g invaded land or a desert); generation (inherited); religion, which usually arises from persecution (e.g. of Christians in general). Hardship is also known to arise from repercussions, especially of sin to God or Christ the Saviour, apart from fellow human beings. The Israelites, the scripture records, suffered a great deal of hardship from people of other nations and from God, due to their disobedience and stiff-neckedness. These are, therefore, clear evidence that hardship can come from God, however, for purposes or reasons. In Today’s reading in v10, Paul, in his admonition of Timothy, confirmed that he endured all things, including hardship. These are generally recorded in his Epistles. The question then arises – why does God allow people (especially believers in Christ) to endure hardship?
First, it is important to mention that the hardships suffered from fellow men arise as a result of many things, including: invasion/terrorism, hatred, jealousy, lack of resources, etc. In the spiritual realm, people suffer hardship through spiritual warfare (Eph. 6:12). Experiences and testimonies abound on why God allows hardship in believers’ lives, which include: tests of faith in general or in specific areas, e.g. obedience, humility, generosity, etc. Also, a believer can experience hardship allowed by God in order to shape and perfect them for eternity with his/her Maker. Those entanglements, filth and sins that cannot be taken or accepted in God’s kingdom above have to be removed if the believer is to be accepted there. In Today’s reading in v4, Paul emphasises this point with an analogy of a soldier. He said no soldier engaged in warfare entangles himself with the affairs of this life. Otherwise, he may not please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.
God also allows hardship in a believer’s life to develop in him the right feeling for others, that is, love. Far more important and closely related to this is when God allows believers to suffer hardship for the sake of others, in order to bring them into his kingdom and ultimately, to enjoy eternity with him. This fact is mentioned in v10 of our Today’s reading, where Paul confirmed that he endured all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus. All believers are expected to be ready to endure/suffer hardship on this side of eternity, so that many souls can be won to the other side of eternity. Endurance is a “must”, as Paul said (v3). Otherwise, heaven could be empty at last, and therefore, the sacrifice of Christ would be wasted. God forbid! Be ready to endure hardship for the sake of Christ Jesus and for others, too! All Apostles of the first century and many believers did.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayfully seek a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor, or priest.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we are very grateful for the gift of your Son Jesus Christ whom you gave for our salvation.
Precious Saviour, thank you for your sacrifice on the cross to win salvation for mankind.
Please, Lord, equip us to endure hardship for your sake, so that others will be won into our Father’s kingdom.
Father, please wake the church up to take up the Great Commission seriously so that souls will be won and discipled as you commanded.
Father, please fuel the fire of revival in our nation and all over the world, as the time is drawing nearer and nearer for Jesus’ appearance.
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