Besides Job’s endurance, Jeremiah was one who continuously preached to an unfaithful nation whose authorities imprison him restraining him in stocks. Scrolls he wrote upon were burned in a stoked fire in the hearth Not forgetting, he was left to die in the mud, and finally called a liar. (Jeremiah 7:27, 20:1-2, 36:23, 43:2)

The Apostle Paul was imprisoned multiple time, flogged, come face to face with death numerous times, five times received lashes, three times beaten with rods, sturdy rods. Assaulted with stones and three times ship wrecked. (2 Corinthians 11:23-33) Jesus endured great affliction. Beaten barebacked with a whip with 9 strands of braided leather with metal claws is brutal. Undoubtedly large chunks of flesh laid on the ground in pools of blood. (Matthew 27:32-66)

Isaiah 54:1-12 records, he was oppressed, afflicted, despised, rejected, bruised for our transgressions. The chastisement of our peace was upon Him.  Acquainted with grief and a Man of many sorrows all this we brought Him to a degrading level. We worry about beauty, our figure, what everyone else thinks; there was no beauty to be desired of Him. None! He opened not His mouth; He willingly gave Himself. Now let’s talk about endurance.

2 Timothy 2:3 KJV: “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. You therefore must endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”

Rejoicing in our suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character and character produces hope. (Romans 5:3-4) Production is process. Our character is built through every hardship we encounter. God is the Potter stretching, pressing, thronging there’s a great measure of pressure.

“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 KJV) By the leading of the Holy Ghost I searched out this scripture. Crown of life isn’t referred to eternity. The Greek translation for crown in this verse means, mark. Paul said, “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 KJV)

Press into completion. What awaits us at the end of every trial is far more rewarding than any perishable award.  (1 Corinthians 9:24-25) Paul asked the early Christians, “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?” Refuse any hindrances whether it’s people, places or things. It’s not a race to compete with one another. It’s about reaching the pinnacle of His glory, steps higher. Run well, with grace, love and fervency!

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