_{Endurance. You have what it takes.}

Hi everyone. I’m Sherry Douglas with Heart-Song. It was reported this past week that scientists have found the sunken wreck of polar explorer Ernest Shackleton’s ship Endurance. In 1915 Mr. Shackleton tried to become the first person to cross Antarctica by way of the South Pole. We could say he failed because he never set foot on the continent. However, one news source said his success of getting all of his crew rescued was a “heroic feat of endurance.” It’s ironic, now that 100 years have passed, that the captain of the ship Endurance was described as having endurance.

Endurance. It means having the capability to withstand an extended stressful experience. Mr. Shackleton, his crew, and the ship had endurance. And you do, too. Hold your head up, not with pride, but with confidence knowing you have what it takes to get through whatever it is you’re going through. God has never promised any of us that we would not have battles. In fact, he told us we would. He has also promised that when we fight those battles, he will be with us. Isaiah 4:2-3a says, “When you face stormy seas, I will be there with you with endurance and calm; you will not be engulfed in raging rivers. If it seemslike you’re walking through fire with flames licking at your limbs, keep going; you won’t be burned. Because I, the Eternal One, am your God. I am the Holy One of Israel, and I will save you.”

Endurance. You have what it takes. Stick with it! Keep moving. Live the way you want to be remembered.

See you next time.