Why Endurance?

The word "endurance" really gripped me from last week's quiet time.
To dig in a bit more, Romans 5:1-5 highlights this beautifully.
vs 3 + 4 "but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope."
Endurance produces proven character - let that sink in for a bit.
In hardship we are really tested from all sides.  We fail in some areas and totally excel in others.  At times it is so easy to just throw in the towel and not care - that's when I ask myself:  What does it prove about me as a person?
I can easily be blindsided and forget that endurance doesn't only test character and refines it but also says a lot about who I really am as a person.

Character displays my personal morals, values, beliefs - endurance simply enhances just the type of person I am.
Once again, Daddy teaches me why I can endure all things.  "My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth." Psalm 121:2
Finding that I constantly remind myself of just how He wants to help me is more reassuring than idolizing my situation and hoping an answer is going to pop out and embrace me.

The very Maker of heaven and earth is here to help me endure.  Say what?  We talking about Jesus, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords?
This very fact can't just sink in for me because it's so vast to even fathom.  This is the BIG MAN we are talking about - that's how intimately and personally He takes us - we haven't been created for a joke or comic session!

These days I realize more and more that Daddy isn't in the disappointing business.  He's more in pouring out His love to us and wanting us to know Him more.  Unfailing He is.  That perfect love casts away all fears, which I am finding each day.
The endurance phase is so tough but like Ephesians 6:10 says, "Finally, be strong in the Lord and His might power."

The Maker knows, He provides, He chips and chissels away.  He allows me to prove myself so that I can grow and take on more and become His ultimate best.
How can He trust me if I keep giving up?  How can He trust me to keep going no matter what the cost?
More room for Him to work....

Keep enduring.  The Maker is here...