endurance

Endurance. The very word can bring a weight or a weariness. The deep fear that I just can’t do it anymore. The reality that I am done.

Trust me, I know that I “have need of endurance” (Hebrews 10:36). As in, I need it. Because I lack it. Because I literally feel like I am going to fall apart. But I also know that endurance is essential in this life. I know that I’m not promised ease. So I need endurance. So I can walk with endurance. 

But there’s this tiny, beautiful verse that continually comes up in my life. A theme of calling me back to the deeper reality of what is right and good and true. 

“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:17)

And that word for “hold together” also means “endure.” So I am not holding all things together, I AM is holding all things together. 

He is not asking me to hold things together. Not even myself. He is God and I am not. And in this, I will endure. He will be faithful to complete the work He began (Philippians 1:6). And I am one of His works (Ephesians 2:10). And His mercies are all over His works (Psalm 145:9). He holds me and He holds me together. And because of Him, I will endure.

Yes, I need to receive it. But I have to stop taking responsibility for what’s not mine to take responsibility for.

Oh weary one, let Him satisfy and fill you. Dear languishing one, let Him refresh you. Do you fill empty? Let Him fill you. (Jeremiah 31:25)

So “do not throw away your confidence” (Hebrews 10:35). “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He whole promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). So our faith, rightly placed, is our primary responsibility in enduring. 

Because the One who holds the universe together, is holding you together. Holding me together. And He doesn’t let a single star (Isaiah 40:26) or a single heart go missing.