In the Word: Patiently Enduring

Welcome to Hope Mommies In the Word devotionals. Over the next several weeks, we will be meditating on 2 Corinthians 1:3-11. As we study the truths found in these verses together, we’d love you to use the comments as a place to dialogue with us about what you are learning and share your answers to the questions below. We pray that you hearts will be encouraged as you dig into God’s Word each week with us!

“If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; and if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which you experience when you patiently endure the same sufferings that we suffer.” 2 Corinthians 1:6

READ:

Being able to patiently endure sorrow and grief—mixed with longing for heaven—is a gift. It is nothing that we could muster by ourselves. It is fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Have you given your life over to the power of the Spirit? This can be a daily, or even moment-by-moment, turning over of our lives to what God is doing in them.

This world is full of griefs, and we have known them closely—they have pierced our very souls. As a result, we are changed. We will never not know a depth of sorrow and grief. We will always carry that knowledge of suffering with us. And because of that, we long in a tender way that this life might break way into life eternal. We will always be enduring. Even when we are full of joy and are restored to life—which takes time—we will still always be enduring. It is a theme of our lives.

Scripture notes the virtue of patiently enduring in suffering. This kind of endurance honors God. It pleases Him. It brings joy to His very heart. Do you not long to bring this kind of pleasure to the heart of God? He will reward it. Whenever you note patient endurance in your life, praise God for it—rejoice in it. It is not mere survival, for it requires deep personal trust in God, hope that is steadfast, and love for Jesus that is dear—all traits that are worthy of commendation and will be rejoiced over in heaven.

REFLECT:

1. Read Psalm 39:7 and Psalm 71:5. What do we learn from these verses about how to patiently endure?
2. Read Luke 21:19. What promises is given to the one who endures? What does this mean to you?
3. What do you perceive is the difference between patient endurance and mere survival? What does your patient endurance tell the world about God?

Lianna is author of Made for a Different Land: Eternal Hope for Baby Loss (Hope Mommies, 2019). More of her writing can be found at her website.

We would be honored to share your story as a Hope Mom on our blog. On Saturdays we feature Hope Moms’ stories in order to showcase God’s faithfulness even in the midst of such deep sorrow. If you would like to have your story shared on our blog for this purpose, learn more and submit here.