In Matthew 24:13, the Lord Jesus, while teaching on the challenges in last days, said, "But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved". Endurance is one other important quality that every believer ought to exhibit in abundance to be highly productive. In our theme scripture, the word patience comes from a Greek word hupomone and actually means endurance. Another synonym for it is perseverance. This is the ability to withstand pressure, hardship or adversity, while sticking to what is right with hope without giving up or giving in. This is what makes you stay in the fire without burning out or losing direction. Isaiah 43:2 tells us of the inevitability of the testing of your faith and the assurance of His presence with you through such times. He says "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you". He is your ever present help in times of trouble.

Hebrews 12:2 bears testimony of the endurance of our Lord Jesus Christ, saying "for the joy that was set before Him, He endured the cross". God laid before Him the greatest project to accomplish for the salvation of mankind and He had to endure in its fulfilment. He is our perfect example. The Church in its beauty was the joy He saw and that powered His endurance. What joy can you see ahead of you? Think of many lives that will be helped because one day you endured. Paul encouraged Timothy in 2Timothy 2:3 saying, "Thou therefore endure hardiness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ". Do you know that you are in God's army? Yes you are a soldier in God's army. Don't give up in times of the testing of your faith. James 1:12 shares the blessedness in endurance by saying, "blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him." Brothers and sisters see beyond the trouble you are faced with. It is worth it to endure the moment for the joy that is lying ahead of you.