As I pounder this word “Endure” and look up the definition. I even look up other words to get a broader perspective of the passage in Acts 13:18
HE endured their conduct for about forty years in the desert.

We know the story of how the Israelites’ were wondering in the desert for forty years complaining and doing all sorts of detestable things against God. Yet he endured their conduct, still providing, still leading, and still teaching, STILL LOVING them.

Endure / Tolerate / Permit / Allow

It is so hard to understand this, how God endured their attitudes, their disobedience. He had shown them one miraculous thing after another. Provided them food, even their sandals never wore out the forty years of walking in them. Deuteronomy 29:5

My Sunday sandals don’t last more than a year, yet they walked in theirs for forty?! Truly Amazing!

This leads me to ask; what things does God endure with me? He has done many miraculous things for me and my family. Looking back and re-reading old journals it is so evident. Yet God puts up with my attitude, doubt, and fear. I can’t point fingers at those Israelites’ – because I too, am guilty of a complaining spirit, or have allowed fear to keep me from moving forward. I am so thankful that God loves me so much that He endures me, HE puts up with me. And HE still wants to lead me into those things that He designed me for – those purposes.

Looking at His example of love I ask myself another question; have I “put up” with those around me, like God does with me? Do I keep loving and seeing the potential the person has and not look at the behavior of this person because of their doubt and fear?

Maybe some of the time, but more often than I would like to admit, I don’t.

So starting today, I asked God to help me love others like He has lavished love on me. And pray that my behavior would be pleasing to HIM and not something HE has to endure.