[3] we put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, [4] but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, [5] beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger; [6] by purity, knowledge, patience, kindness, the Holy Spirit, genuine love; [7] by truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left; [8] through honor and dishonor, through slander and praise. we are treated as impostors, and yet are true; [2 cor 6:3-8]

 

we are called to endure through afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labors, sleepless nights, hunger, honor and dishonor, slander and praise, and being treated as imposter. to look at this list all i think is, “oh is that all?” it is so easy to be overwhelmed by the fallen world that surrounds us, by our flesh that fights against us, by the enemy seeking to destroy us. but, these verses hold within them the secrets to endurance.

though we are called to endure through much, it is what we are called to endure by that we must meditate on.

purity- “finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” [phil 4:8]

knowledge- “that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge.” [1 cor 1:5]

patience- “but I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” [1 tim 1:16]

kindness- “so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” [eph 2:7]

the Holy Spirit- “and the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us” [heb 10:15]

genuine love- “as the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. abide in my love.” [john 15:9]

truthful speech- “let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” [eph 4:29]

power of God- “behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.” [luke 10:19]

weapons of righteousness- “for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” [2 cor 10:4]

 

this list is given to us by the grace of God. these are the tools and weapons of the Holy Spirit that we have full authority to wield.

as you pray today and draw into your Father’s presence thank him for the tools he has given you to endure. each of these things is given freely to you.

 

~ holly russell