Endurance

When some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, Jesus said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left upon another; all will be thrown down.”

They asked him, “Teacher, when will this be, and what will be the sign that this is about to take place?” And he said, “Beware that you are not led astray; for many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is near!’ Do not go after them.

“When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for these things must take place first, but the end will not follow immediately.” Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

“But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.” Luke 21:5-19 

I have been a swimmer since before I can even really remember. Several years I swam for swim across America, a long distance swim to raise money for cancer research. Long distance requires strength but even more, endurance. Speed is less important than pacing yourself and keeping a positive attitude throughout. My daughter Emily has done long distance swims in the Hudson River, fighting currents and all the flotsam and jetsam found in that body of water. It is easy to endure in calm waters, much harder, in dark, murky and dangerous place.

Jesus is sharing with his followers the truth about the faith lives we lead. It won't ever be easy. That is true for much of our lives, since it is easy to be positive and move forward in good times. When people turn on us, when we are abused by systems that should protect us,well, that is when our faith need to be firm. We are promised that God is protecting us, no matter how the world treats us. We are loved and cared for beyond measure. 

Today, I ask God for an extra measure of strength to endure. May we, in our darkest times, hold on tight to the promise that God is with us, and shine our light for those who need the strength to endure.