Endure to the End

Understanding this phrase has been a journey for me. March of 2010 enduring to the end meant patiently waiting for cancer to be over and for us to return to, what I believed to be our normal lives. It meant me turning down an invite because Travis was not able to go out, and so I waited for him to re-join our lives. It meant I became stagnant in life for a little bit, not progressing, I was just waiting. I felt like I was enduring by doing nothing special and waiting until the end of the trial.

I knew Enduring to the End was very important, and I honestly thought I was properly enduring! According to the dictionary endure means to suffer patiently, remain in existence or last. I was doing just that. I’ve patiently suffered, some days not so patiently, but it’s been almost 7 years with no end in sight. Studying the scriptures and seeking to understand more about enduring to the end I found these scriptures:

3 Nephi 15:9 “Behold, I am the law, and the light. Look unto me, and endure to the end, and ye shall live; for unto him that endureth to the end will I give eternal life.”

Doctrine and Covenants 18:22 “And as many as repent and are baptized in my name, which is Jesus Christ, and endure to the end, the same shall be saved.”

Doctrine and Covenants 14:7 “And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.”

How could we achieve such magnificent blessings, the greatest of all the gifts of God, by just sitting around and waiting? I’ve come to the conclusion that enduring to the end means so much more than waiting for the end. I believe we are on this earth to be tested, and we are not just going to be tested on our actions when life was peachy, but also on how we reacted to trials, obstacles, sad/angry things. It is easy to smile and be kind when everything is perfect, that would not be a test. While I believe we have a great responsibility to help others when our lives are seemingly easy, I believe we are also tested on how we react to the trials. Can we be kind to others when our worlds are crashing down? Are we Christlike when people are mean to us, especially when we feel down? Being kind and happy despite despairing circumstances is a way to endure to the end.

I believe enduring includes growing our testimony, serving others, and sharing our journey. Whether you are in the middle of a trial, getting ready for one, or just finished one, we are all enduring to the end of this life in preparation for a glorious eternity. To me, a vital part is pushing forward with a smile, finding joy, and recognizing our blessings. I don’t think there is just one way to endure, but I believe that by focusing on the love of God and the plan he has for each of us will help us to endure to the end of a bad day, a break-up, cancer, food allergies, naughty children, etc. As we continue on through this cancer endeavor I am enduring to the end, not just by waiting for life, but by finding joy in the journey. Enduring to the end with joy is a way that I survive Travis’ cancer.

10 Ways for a Spouse to Survive Cancer #1 – Be Patient

10 Ways for a Spouse to Survive Cancer #2 – You Need Help

10 Ways for a Spouse to Survive Cancer #3 – Let the Kids be Kids

10 Ways for a Spouse to Survive Cancer #4 – Accept your new normal

10 Ways for a Spouse to Survive Cancer #5 – Be Positive

10 Ways for a Spouse to Survive Cancer #6 – Accept less than perfect

10 Ways for a Spouse to Survive Cancer #7 – Just Say No

10 Ways for a Spouse to Survive Cancer #8 – Share Information Carefully

10 Ways for a Spouse to Survive Cancer #9 – Be Prepared for Complications

Copyright © Stacy Fredericks 2016, All rights reserved