For me, 2007 ended with a word from the Lord from the book of Hebrews that became our last Sunday School lesson for the year on the "Kingdom of God" entitled Endurance in the Kingdom. It says near the end of chapter 10 that we have need of endurance (or perseverance, patience). The word combines hupo, "under," and mone, "to remain." It describes the capacity to continue to bear up under difficult circumstances, not with a passive complacency, but with a hopeful fortitude that actively resists weariness and defeat. (That deserves a "selah"-pause and let that soak in...) A form of that word endurance is used a little earlier in the chapter when it talks about remembering how we have endured struggles in the past. To endure means to tarry, abide, not recede or flee, according to the New Testament word study dictionary. It is the Greek word, hoop om en 'o. It's really defined again in the last verse of the chapter, "we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." To believe is to cleave (or cling) to, trust in, and rely on God through Jesus Christ!
So, if I am going to hoop om en 'o in 2008, I must abide in Christ (John 15). I must remember all He has done for me in the past. I must keep a hopeful fortitude that actively resists weariness and defeat. And all of this can be mine if I will cling to, trust in and rely on the Lord. That's what I want! I don't know what this year may bring forth. Neither do you. But, if you are reading this post may the Spirit of the Lord speak His hoop om on ay (endurance) over your life today as I ask Him to do the same in mine.
"Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. Remember the wonders He has done!" ~ I Chronicles 16:11,12a
2 comments:
Hey Karen,
I had just a few minutes at work today and I signed in on Grace's blog to see any updates and especially enjoyed your entry on the "word" the LORD gave you for the new year. I know that we had talked about this earlier this weekend but I really liked the way you worded your entry. You are a talented writer and it is no suprise the LORD has given you the gift and opportunity to do Grace's blog. I look forward to new entries. . . -Steven
How sweet! Thanks, honey. We WILL hoop om en 'o together! Love you.
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