ENDURANCE

You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.  Hebrews 10:36

My husband has an issue with his muscles. He has gone through a myriad of tests to determine the cause. He still has no answers, but he has been told that his nerves are not communicating with his muscles. The doctor said that no amount of exercise will help with this issue, but my husband has decided to work on it anyway. Each day he walks, bikes, and lifts weights. He has been eating a better diet and making sure to drink water. He took physical therapy to also help with his balance. I am proud that my husband is showing endurance by working to get better.

We as Christians need to press forward in our daily walk with Christ and show grit, determination, and endurance so that we also can get better. We know that we will face problems and issues. We will be bombarded with obstacles and temptations, but when we keep our focus and our steps inline with Christ, we can, with His help, withstand any stumbling block in our path.

In Philippians 3:14, we are told that we need to press toward the goal. And what exactly is our goal?  Our goal is to daily conform ourselves to Christ’s likeness, to allow His will to be done instead of our will, and to be the love of Christ for the world. This verse goes on to say that we focus on the goal to win the prize. And what exactly is the prize? The prize is to be more in tune with the Holy Spirit indwelling in us. As we tap into that power, we gain strength to overcome these battles. Our other prize is the assurance of life everlasting with Christ.

The performer on the stage loves the applause for a job well done; the team trains for the winning trophy; the student wants the high grade on the test; the runner desires the blue ribbon. My husband also likes my “oohs” and “aahs” when he shows me his muscles. We all love the accolades that come from a job well done, but there could be no greater prize than to hear the words of our Lord and Savior say, “Well done thy good and faithful servant.” All we have to do is to show endurance in this race of life to win that prize.

Help me Lord Jesus to show endurance in my Christian walk. Amen