When we are overwhelmed by spiritual fatigue, we can hope in the truth that God is with us in every place. To build spiritual endurance, we must apply our faith when we face the trials of life. It is easy to become weary along the way, but God, our Way Maker, will help us to the end.
Athletes can tell you a lot about endurance. They go against the urge to give in, and they train themselves to go the distance. Their bodies might become cramped with pain, and their sacrifice might be great, but athletes keep their eyes on the gold medal.
For christians, we have to learn another form of endurance. This is what I term spiritual endurance. It is when we train ourselves to persevere through the most difficult times. Though we might sacrifice, Godly endurance requires us to keep our eyes on the golden crown set before us.
What the Bible Says About Spiritual Endurance
Spiritual endurance is a common theme in the Bible. The truth is that every person who walks with God will have to learn how to endure. This is because running the race of faith involves trials and tests that we will have to overcome.
Paul had to endure a thorn in his flesh, holding on to the fact that God’s grace is sufficient to keep him. The Apostle Paul also encouraged us in Hebrews 12 to look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
"Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith"
Jesus had to endure the cross. This is the epitome of endurance. Christ showed us what true sacrifice looks like, and the price we must pay. Yet, He also showed us that if we endure to the end, we will receive the prize of our calling. Resurrection is our crown, and we must endure until we are crowned with eternal life.
Spiritual Endurance Means Going Against the Odds
Spiritual endurance means that we go the distance no matter what. Even when the odds are against us, and it seems we can’t carry on, with God on our side, we can march on to the end. The one who endures is not the one who does not encounter struggles, but the one who presses through their struggles with Biblical resilience.
As we endure what life throws at us, let us commit that even unto death, we will keep going. Even if death occurs, we have resurrection in Jesus Christ.
In Hebrew 12, the writer is saying that we should lay aside the weight that holds us back. If we are to move forward, we must get rid of everything that tries to keep us spiritually fatigued.
If something is holding us back, then the only way for us to move forward is to let go of whatever this thing is. Our ability to endure depends on how much we can let go of yesterday and move forward into the promise of tomorrow.
Spiritual Endurance Means We Can Never Give Up
The most important aspect of our Christian perseverance is the proclivity to never give up. This is the major part of our spiritual journey. As we move along, we will meet up on situations that will bring us to our knees.
There are real hurts and painful wounds with indelible scars that will bring us to surrender. The antidote to get through these moments is the attitude to endure. For sure, we might fall short along the way, but this is where the grace of God comes in.
Also see: Built to Endure
God will meet us in our need and help us as we go. Our job is to stay focused on the prize that has been set before us, and to commit that no matter what happens we will keep going. May you keep going as you run your race with endurance.
Concluding Thoughts
You might be greeted daily with the thought of giving in. This, my friends, happens to the best of us. We all face situations that are unbearable and that’s why we have to rely on God who is greater than the greatest.
In the roughest times we learn spiritual endurance. We will realize that we must lean on the promises of God, being assured that He will never leave us nor forsake us. Our strong God is able to complete the work He has started in us and through us.
Let us trust in the Lord with our whole attitude, never giving way for weakness, but surrendering to His strength. We can, and must endure. As you go, remember that spiritual endurance is not through your own power, but it is through God’s grace that you will survive to the end. Be strong and courageous and never give up!
Useful Prayer
Dear God, I pray that you will meet me in my weakness and grant me your eternal strength that I may endure to the finish line. You are greater than every weakness and I depend on you in all areas of my life. Surround me with Your Love. Amen.
