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September 25, 2026

Endurance & Encouragement

September 25, 2026 by CARISSA JOY STRUM ENCOURAGEMENT Trust Hope Discouragement
Endurance & Encouragement
  • by CARISSA JOY STRUM
  • Comment
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 15:4-6

How do we endure through difficult trials and situations? How do we keep going when we feel stuck or like we’re sinking? In today’s fast-paced hustle culture, it’s common to switch between jobs, careers, life goals, addresses, and friendships. I think that’s why I’ve been so struck by the endurance of God – it’s a stark contrast to our constantly-on-the-move and changing culture.


My mom and I have been reading through Isaiah lately, focusing on the prophecies about Jesus. I’ve been blown away by the number of prophecies not only contained in Isaiah but referenced throughout the whole Old Testament! Look at verse 4 of our reading today – God used “everything” for His solid, unchanging plan. The ESV study notes go so far as to explain that “‘Whatever was written in former days’ includes the whole of the OT Scriptures” (ESV Study Bible, p. 2182). God lavishes us in His endurance and encouragement – not just in the New Testament, but throughout the entirety of His Word.


Paul incorporates God’s endurance and encouragement when he talks about running our race in Christ in Philippians 3, 1 Corinthians 9, and Hebrews 12. When we’re running the race Christ has called us to, we need help persevering, so we don’t get choked by the things of this world (Jesus talks about this further in the Parable of the Sower in Luke 8). Immanuel – God with us – is with us at salvation and continues to walk with us throughout our entire lives (see Psalm 23). He not only gives us the grace to receive Christ, but He continues to be with us through each step and each day of our lives as we walk according to His Kingdom. (For further meditation about this, I’d recommend reading the Psalms – they are so encouraging in their reminders of God’s consistent presence in our lives! See Psalm 77 and others.)


So today, we rejoice that we serve a God who cares about us. Immanuel gives us the hope to endure and gives us encouragement through His presence and through His Word. What’s our response to this? Let’s “glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” with our united praise to God and actions to one another (Romans 15:6)!

Closing Prayer
Lord, we praise You! Thank You that You weave Your faithfulness throughout Your Word. We praise You that, through Jesus, we have endurance and encouragement. I pray for Your Spirit to minister to our hearts and to fill us with Yourself. Please let Your endurance and encouragement fill us up and spill out to others, all for Your glory and praise and Kingdom purposes. We love You, Abba! We praise You for Jesus, the Word and our Redeemer. In His mighty Name we pray! Amen.
Resources
Scripture: Philippians Lately I’ve been reading through Philippians, and working on this devo has brought my mind back to this book again and again. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul exemplifies the endurance and encouragement that are found only in Christ. I pray this book encourages, challenges, and uplifts you as you grow close to our Father God (Phil. 1:2).
Activity: Recording God’s Works Endurance and encouragement go together; our encouragement can fuel our endurance. Take some time to reflect on encouragement from God. Maybe this looks like talking with a trusted friend, journaling, recording a voice memo while on a walk, or writing encouragements down on pieces of paper and placing them in a jar. Periodically, take time to reflect on an encouragement or two, leading you to praise and glorify God. This would be a wonderful family activity!
Resource: Thrive Connection I truly believe that Christ-centered community can be such a game-changing source of encouragement in our lives. As women, it’s so tempting to get caught up in comparison. However, when we let go of comparing ourselves to others, we are free to truly give and receive encouragement. Whether it’s utilizing the virtual community of Thrive, reaching out to a trusted friend, or meeting someone new at church, let’s be women of encouragement. Who is one person you can encourage this week?
Question for Reflection

When you need endurance and / or encouragement, where do you run to? How can you (patiently!) remind yourself to run to Jesus instead of to things of this world to provide the provision and perseverance to continue?

Comments
Carissa Joy Strum
September 25, 2026

I’ve noticed myself reaching for my phone or the nearest technology when I’m feeling overwhelmed. It’s easy to distract myself instead of going to the Lord for help and hope. Since I tend to look at my watch, I want to start wearing a bracelet on my wrist as a reminder to pray instead of scroll! Instead of getting caught up in distractions, I want to remind my heart of the reality we have in our faithful Redeemer (see Isaiah 59:20).