In its day, the Endurance was considered the strongest ship ever built, scrupulously designed to withstand the harshest of conditions. Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew sailed the vessel to the Antarctic in 1914 on an epic expedition. But the Endurance didn’t live up to its name. It was caught in ice, crushed and sank. But not one of Shackleton’s men died. They suffered through bitter cold, brutal storms, starvation and sickness for months until they were rescued. The men endured; the ship did not.

The one who endures to the end will be saved. Matthew 24:13

When you face difficulties, remember that the capacity to endure is placed within you by the Lord. It has very little to do with your circumstances or your possessions. A burgeoning bank account would be nice, as would a flawless family and decades of perfect health. But nobody has all those things…not for long, anyway. The more important consideration is this: will you remain faithful to God?

Pray boldly today for endurance – in your own life and in the lives of your leaders. It will be required for the difficult tasks that lie ahead. And may all Americans remember their strength always comes from the Lord.

Recommended Reading: II Timothy 2:3-13