Until the End

But the one who endures to the end will be delivered. - Matthew 24:13

As they neared the predicted time of His earthly departure, Jesus' disciples wanted to know how and when He would claim victory over the world (and, in particular, Rome). They heard Him speak of suffering, death, burial, and a resurrection, but they were looking for triumph, safety, and throne rooms. Jesus frankly explained that the only path to His victory was one of suffering. They must have thought, "Where's the hope in THAT message?"

Jesus said that in this world, we will have trouble, but He also said that we should be encouraged because He has overcome the world. We endure, therefore, not to receive a reward, but because the reward already lies within us. Endurance is not the test, but rather the proof of the Lord's abiding presence.

We do not "drum it up." It's either there or it isn't.

By perseverance the snail reached the ark. - Charles Spurgeon