ENDURE
Jenna Worsham
Today’s Scripture: “And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12, ESV
Theme: When we face the unthinkable, trusting God to carry us, He sends encouragers to help us endure.
LOSS, DISEASE, AND DEATH
A few years, ago my husband Mike’s cousin suddenly died of a brain tumor (glioblastoma) – he was in his 40’s. Then Mike's dad, who was in his 80’s, was diagnosed with the same type of brain tumor and died shortly after. While the funeral was happening for Mike’s dad, some of his cousins were at the hospital with Mike’s uncle who ultimately died of the same thing. We attended his uncle's funeral in June 2026. Drawing near to God was necessary as we grieved and faced our own fears. “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, ESV).
As you might imagine, Mike’s family is especially concerned by the apparent pattern of disease and death. Some have sought early brain tumor detection, asked their doctors about what they might do to prevent this, and faced their fears. It’s strange to call death “the unthinkable” since it is certain that people will die, yet when death is untimely, abrupt, or violent, it does feel unthinkable. As we trust God to carry us, he often sends encouragers to help us to endure.
THE ENCOURAGERS
After Mike’s dad died, there were bumps in the road. While he was experiencing emotional pain, he was also feeling some rejection and loss of connection with his stepfamily. However, as he tried to honor God and honor His dad, Mike found that there were many unexpected encouragers. “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind” (Philippians 2:1-2, ESV). One of Mike's dad’s friends, Tom, sent some memorabilia packed in a box and a long, heartfelt message that greatly encouraged Mike. They continue to communicate periodically. Mike’s cousins sat with us at the post-funeral meal, talking about the stories Mike shared in the eulogy and recounting shared family history. Later that afternoon, they came to play board games, visit, and meet our dog at the vacation rental where we were staying. They later came to visit us with their family at our home for a few days.
Facing tragedy and struggles facilitated greater closeness with all of Mike's first cousins. There is now an active group chat, inside jokes, and genuine fellowship over food. As an only child, those cousin relationships are very valuable to Mike. While it is difficult to face things like death and disease alone, having close relationships to depend on is a gift from God.
IN THE MOVIE SOUL ON FIRE
In the movie, John O’Leary wasn’t alone in his fight. He said, “I want to live” to his mother and when a nurse heard him, he took a personal interest. He did not leave John to die without a fight just because his chances were slim. He did everything he could to help him live ,from changing bandages to stretching his legs to bathing him. It wasn’t easy, it wasn’t painless, but John wasn’t alone.
“I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5b, ESV). God reminds us of this truth and His faithfulness. John O’Leary also had an excellent germ-fighting janitor, the famous announcer for his favorite baseball team, and a family who remembered to pray. John had encouragers, people who did not forsake him, people who stood by him, celebrating his victories and sitting with him through the pain and the struggle. This is a picture of how we are to support each other through the difficulties of life.
Make It Personal: What trials or struggles are you facing? Is this a season where you need to be open to and thankful for support from family and friends? Even if you are currently struggling, it is worth considering how you might also be an encourager for someone else facing hard times.
Pray: God, thank You for allowing me access to Your Holy Spirit. I am praying this passage from Your Word for myself and those I am called to encourage: “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, ESV). You know our needs, God, and You care about us. Help us to endure, love, and encourage each other. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Philippians 4:1-4, 8; Hebrews 4:15-16; Ecclesiastes 4:7-12
Weekly Memory Verse: “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14, ESV