We consider blessed those who have persevered.
James 5:11
Foxhole
Two years ago this month, the Seattle Times ran a feature story on a man by the name of Paul Rogers. Paul was 96 years old. He got around with a walker. He lived quietly and comfortably in his house in Overland Park, KS.
Seventy years earlier, however, Paul Rogers faced a different reality. Seventy years earlier, Paul found himself in conditions few of us can imagine. He was in a foxhole in Northern Europe. The temperature was below freezing. He had no winter clothing. Enemy troops surrounded his company's position. Random mortar fire rained down on him. And there was little Paul Rogers could do, except endure it. This frigid, nerve-shattering ordeal lasted for 29 days.
When our Lord speaks to us in his Word about life in this cold and broken world, he understands that much of it comes down to simple endurance. Perhaps it's a difficult personality at work. Perhaps it's a family member who regularly manages to cause pain. Perhaps it's a period of financial stress that never seems to end. Perhaps it's chronic poor health, where you can't remember the last time you woke up feeling well. Perhaps it's old regrets that insist on coming back to haunt you. Perhaps it's old temptations that never tire of tempting you all over again.
The next time you find yourself in a foxhole of trouble that you know you will just have to endure, keep in mind a couple of things. First, keep in mind that there are many others who, no doubt, have had to endure you and your weaknesses from time to time. But most of all, remember the One who has endured all things on your behalf.
Where we have stumbled, Jesus did not. Where we gave in, Jesus did not. Where we surrendered to temptations, Jesus did not. Then he went to the cross. And there he endured the unspeakable to wash us clean forever. He endured all things in our place and prevailed. And now he lives to send us the strength of his Spirit by the power of his gospel. In him we will prevail.
One more thing. Paul Rogers was not in that foxhole forever. You won't be either. The One who died and lives for you has all things under his control.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, be with me in my foxhole. Comfort me. Give me courage and strength. Keep me warm in your grace. Amen.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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