Building Endurance

Endurance: the word calls to mind a long distance/marathon runner, who, despite blisters, hunger, extreme fatigue and near dehydration, draws on some inner strength to complete the course.  The dictionary definition states it like this: the ability or strength to continue or last, especially despite fatigue, stress, or other
adverse conditions; stamina. As the saying goes; No Pain, No Gain.

Speaking of which, when is the last time you endured, to the point of breaking a sweat? Not everyone is an athlete, but whenever we really exert physical effort, the potential to sweat is there.  How about spiritually speaking?  How much effort do you put into being a Christian?  There are plenty of folks who think that merely occupying a pew, once in a while, is endurance enough for them.  I had a dear lady, sincerely, tell me recently, that the Holy Spirit had led her to attend a church that had soft seats and short sermons!  No sweat involved there!!

God designed us to use our physical bodies, and so too our spiritual selves.  Just like a runner faces hills, potholes, insects and inclement weather, we’re bound to find similar obstacles in our walk with Christ.  Our early brothers and sisters in faith faced ridicule, hatred, physical and verbal abuse, and yes, even death.  Believe me, they sweated profusely, and many Christians, around the world are still doing the same. God knows our limits, but he also knows what we are capable of doing.  I think that he purposely places impediments in our way, like spiritual weights, to flex and strengthen us.  We all can relate to the satisfaction we’ve felt when we’ve accomplished a difficult task, despite the effort or adverse conditions it took.

Has life been handing you the heavy dumbbells lately?  Good, then you know that God is pumping up your endurance!  “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.…” James 1:2-4.