On Monday, many people across Ireland dressed in green and raised their glasses to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick’s Day is more than a cultural event, it’s a day set aside to remember the man who brought the gospel to Ireland.
His story is one of endurance and obedience to God’s call. As a teenager, he was captured by pirates and enslaved in Ireland, enduring hardship and isolation. Yet, in that season of suffering, his faith took root. He eventually escaped back to his home in Britain, but years later, despite opposition and danger, he returned to Ireland as a missionary, trusting in the strength God provided and persevering in the work set before him.
Patrick’s story challenges us to rethink endurance. It’s not merely about surviving difficult seasons; it’s about being sustained by something greater than ourselves. Just as Patrick’s faith enabled him to endure trials and remain obedient to God’s call, we are invited to rely on God’s strength in our own challenges.
endurance is not a measure of our own strength
God’s character remains the same and becomes the foundation of our endurance. Romans 15:5 describes him as “the God of endurance and encouragement.” He is not a distant observer of our struggles but an active sustainer, strengthening us through his Spirit.
Endurance is a gift from a faithful and loving God who knows our weaknesses and meets us in our need. The Bible assures us that his love endures forever (Ps 136:1), his faithfulness never runs out (Lam 3:22-23), and his purposes stand firm (Is 46:10). When we focus on God, we realise that true endurance is not a measure of our own strength, but his.
Jesus himself modelled perfect obedience and endurance. He persevered through suffering, rejection, and ultimately the cross for our salvation. His endurance was an act of obedience to the Father, teaching us that endurance is rooted not in self-reliance but in complete dependence on God.
Sometimes, we may feel tempted to give up, whether in a season of suffering or the daily battle against sin. Endurance often feels like a long and difficult journey, but Scripture promises it brings great reward. Continuing steadfast in obedience to God strengthens our faith, refines our character, and draws us closer to him. While we may not always see the immediate fruits of endurance, we can trust that God uses every moment for his glory and our good.
The ultimate reward of endurance is not just for this life but for eternity. Philippians 1:6 reminds us, “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” This promise reminds us that God will finish what he started in us. Obedience and endurance lead to the greatest reward: a deeper relationship with Christ now and the hope of eternal joy with him forever.
