Endurance and Patience
“May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy…” (Col 1:11).
Strengthened for endurance and patience with joy. If there’s anyone I know who would need a prayer for endurance and joyful patience, it’s my brother. I was reading this scripture for the two of us, and he indicated that he wanted me to pray this scripture for him. Ian’s situation seems harder than any of ours. He has some of the most difficult challenges facing him. It’s hard to see a brother (or boyfriend or son or friend) in his situation, but it must be harder to be the one in his position.
Recently, a friend of ours strongly encouraged Ian never to give up. Lets never give up praying for his strength – physical or spiritual strength.
Thanks,
-Ben
John Q
August 15, 2007 at 10:04 am
Ian,
As I remember the miracle of your healing (all indications pointed away from ANY recovery), I can only surmise that God, the God of the Universe, spared your life for specific reasons. Your time and tasks on Earth were not completed, which is why your life was preserved, and which is why you continue to progress.
Know this, that your situation, your struggle, and the faith of your family and friends have inspired many, throughout the world! The gospel is being proclaimed! God is using you, brother!
So, you keep on doing your best (and it is evident that you have been working so diligently) and I will pray for strength and endurance for the battle.
Remember, that all this, whether we can see it or not, is for Gods glory and your good!
I look forward to seeing you give your testimony of this situation someday.
“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
John Q
anonymous
August 15, 2007 at 1:37 pm
Great post, Ben!
You said, “It’s hard to see a brother (or boyfriend or son or friend) in his situation, but it must be harder to be the one in his position.” Both are hard in their own ways, I am certain.
Your friend’s encouragement prompted me to look for some quotes:
And he (Jesus) told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.
Luke 18:1
Pray without ceasing.
1 Thessalonians 5:17
Never, never, never give up.
Winston Churchill
You betcha!
Myron Cope and Mary Ann K.
Still praying for Ian and all of you!
anonymous
August 15, 2007 at 11:29 pm
Ben,
We will never give up and we will continue to pray – each and every day and multiple times a day!
Rene