Endure to the End

I have heard the phrase endure to the end basically my entire life. What does that even mean? The word in endure has a little bit of negativity associated with it. It makes me think I am barely surviving. There are moments when we all feel that way, but no one wants to spend their whole life barely making it. This article sponsored by the Mormon Channel answers that question along with tips to do more than barely make it.

What Does It Really Mean to Endure It to The End?

When His disciples asked Him about the future, Jesus often told them parables or referred to the fact that the future was in God’s hands and not something they should worry about. In the book of Matthew, though, He does provide some information for them. He tells them “he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved (Matthew 24:13).

One message from that chapter is that things aren’t always perfect in this world, but God does have a plan and He wants you to endure to the end. That doesn’t mean silently putting up with problems that seem insurmountable or unacceptable. To endure to the end doesn’t mean simply tolerating life until it’s over – it means facing trials with patience, faith, and even joy, when possible. With Jesus, you can find hope and positivity even in times that may otherwise feel joyless.

Henry B. Eyring provides three helpful suggestions you can use to approach life and endure it, no matter what happens.

1. Pray

Satan wants you to feel hopeless and defeated; he wants you to live without joy or hope, because that makes it more likely you’ll turn from God. God wants us to overcome that hopelessness (D&C 10:5), and prayer is one way to do so. Prayer is also the way you can communicate regularly with God to better understand how you should live your life.

Here are some ways you can rely on God through prayer in times of sadness or loneliness.

• Talk to Him as you would a friend; you don’t have to specifically ask for anything, and simply sharing your burden can help you feel better.
• Make it a point to thank God for something real and unique every day; praising and showing gratitude reminds you of the joy that still exists in life.
• Pray for those who have caused you harm; praying can help you forgive, and forgiveness removes the burden of anger and helps you experience more joy.
  
  
  
  

2. Keep the commandments

Keeping God’s commandments is a way for you to demonstrate your love for God and others (John 14:15). It also helps ensure you follow God’s will in your life, and remaining within God’s plan is one of the best ways to endure to the end. In Philippians, Paul writes that he can “do all things through Christ which strengtheneth” him (Phil. 4:13), and that verse is true for you too. But that’s only true if you’re acting with Jesus.

3. Serve the Lord

It’s common when facing struggle, stress, or sadness to dwell on those things. That can lead to depression, anxiety, and lack of joy. One way to keep yourself from dwelling on negative things and to actively endure whatever you might face is to serve the Lord. For many people, that means serving others. Some things you might do to serve God and others include:

• Volunteering in the Church
• Volunteering in the community
• Making it a point to call or visit friends or sick community/church members
• Donating items or money to charities close to your heart
• Simply talking to others about your struggles and your hope in God
  
  
  

God wants you to be happy and provides a way for you to endure every challenge. Whatever you are called to face, you can endure it — and endure it well. By praying, keeping the commandments, and serving the Lord, you endure challenges hour-by-hour and day-by-day until your time on the earth is finished and God says, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21, 23).