"The Awesome Power of Endurance" in American Sign LanguageSample

Expect God’s Help
By Rick Warren

“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 NLT)

To endure whatever it is you’re going through and move forward in faith, you have to expect God to bless you and help you. Matthew 9:29 says, “According to your faith let it be done to you” (NIV). God says you get to choose how much he helps you through the difficult times. If you expect God to help you, he will! The Bible promises this: “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12 NLT). And, another promise: “If we endure hardship, we will reign with him” (2 Timothy 2:12).

God wants you to grow in faith as you learn to expect his provision even on the darkest day. Never doubt in the dark what God has told you in the light. The Bible says in 1 Peter 2:21, “God called you to endure suffering because Christ suffered for you. He left you an example so that you could follow in his footsteps” (GW).

Are you growing closer to the Lord because of your problems or are you growing further away? It’s your choice. You’re as close to God as you choose to be. God wants to take the problems in your life that others may mean for bad and use them for good. Endurance is one of the qualities that God wants to grow in us as believers. You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what he has promised.

I don’t know all the problems you’re going through today. But God does. And he wanted you to read this to find the encouragement to endure that comes from his Word and his power and his love. There are so many things in life that you don’t have control over. But they’re under God’s control, so you can turn to him for the endurance you need.

Talk It Over

Do you expect God to use whatever difficulties you’re experiencing right now for good? How have you already seen him move in your life?

How do your attitude and prayers reflect your expectation of God’s help?

What other promises from God’s Word can help you endure your test or temptation?