I no longer feel afraid when I recognize the impact of spiritual warfare in my life. In fact, after I brushed myself off and continued my walk, I felt a sense of calm steadying me. There was no quick fix for the multitude of earthly problems in my life, but when it comes to principalities there is only one solution: Prayer.
_______________________
Let’s look at this verse together:
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 1 Corinthians 13:7
I don’t know about you, but there are some cultural messages ringing in my ears as I read this, particularly as a woman who was raised in the Evangelical church. Messages about long suffering, never complaining, always looking at the bright side, and what it means to be strong. I especially want to better understand the word “endure,” as in “[Love] endures all things.” Like the story I shared in this post, there are moments when I feel I cannot endure anything more. Is Paul suggesting that God wants me to try harder in those moments, to push through, or shrug it off? That doesn’t fit the character of Christ I see in the New Testament, who is constantly walking alongside, healing, and comforting. It contradicts His own words when He says in Matthew 11:30, “My yolk is easy, my burden is light.”
In Greek, the word “endure” is translated from the word “hypomenō,” which can mean “to stay under or behind.” When we face trials and are overwhelmed, we should recall that Christ promised us a yolk that is easy. This does not mean our trials will be small from an earthly-perspective, but that through Christ we can experience them as a light burden. We must ask for His help, claim His scriptural promises, and place ourselves under and behind His spiritual protection.
What is one thing in your life that feels hard to endure right now? Pray for God to meet you in your suffering. Text three sisters in Christ to pray with you for God’s protection and covering.
____________________________
We are so thankful you found us here!
Momma Theologians is a new motherhood ministry podcast and our mission is to revive spiritual growth in the midst of motherhood.
We offer resources, articles, essays, a monthly devotional newsletter and more at www.mommatheologians.com
Be sure to follow us on social media @mommatheologians
___________________________
Momma Theologians Contributor
Adrienne Garrison
Adrienne Garrison lives in Bloomington, Indiana with her husband and their two little ones, soaking up the daily grace of a steadfast God. She is a contributing writer at Momma Theologians and Coffee + Crumbs, and her short stories have been featured in Literary Mama and LETTERS Journal. Adrienne believes magic takes the form of heart-to-heart conversations, petit-fours, and walks in the woods. You can find more of her writing and sign up for her newsletter at adriennegarrison.com
__________
*TAGS*
Christian Motherhood, Momma Theologian, Bible, Jesus, Women in the Word, Women of the Word, Bible Study, Woman Bible Study, Mothering in faith, Motherhood, Christian Motherhood, Armor of God, Christian Mom Ministry, Children's Bible Study, Raising Christian Children, The Belt of Truth
