“Let us lay aside every weight, and . . run with endurance.” Hebrews 12:1 NKJV
“Know the things that hinder your progress and things that assure your success.”
My thoughts today are about “joyful endurance.”
No one enjoys times when things are difficult. Yet that is exactly when you and others see what you are made of. Trials are inevitable, even if you wish otherwise. They are interruptions and come to one and all. They may challenge you, but you will never be bored. They come in every imaginable variety, different every time.
You are not asked to be happy because of the trial; you are instructed to rejoice in spite of the particular difficulty of the moment because you know you will be helped and strengthened, not diminished and certainly not destroyed. Meanwhile, you will discover something more about the wisdom, power and grace of the Lord. See 1 Peter 1.6-7 NIV. “Strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering, with joyfulness.” Colossians 1:11.
Trials are not usually a matter of spiritual cause and effect. They are not God’s punishment because of something you have done or left undone, though the accuser of the saints tries to press that being the case. See Revelation 12.10. “No one undergoing a trial should say ‘I am being tempted by God.’ He doesn’t tempt anyone.” James 1.13.
Where then do trials come from? Trials are sometimes of natural consequence – some unwise choice or ill-advised decision. They may be the product of an unfortunate circumstance along your path. They might occasionally result from spiritual adversity to discourage your walk of faith or to dissuade you from continuing to walk in obedience to God.
Every athlete knows that muscle mass, strength, and endurance come from successfully pressing against resistance. No resistance. No challenge. No development. As in the natural, so is the spiritual. 1 Corinthians. 15.46 NIV.
Adversity produces character that results in maturity. Spiritual growth and development come to you as you progress through trials successfully. Tough times teach you what you need to have – endurance, and what you can do better without – anything that makes the present circumstance even more difficult. Some things hinder your progress and limit your success, like sin, guilt, regrets, unforgiveness, worry, fear, or disobedience. There are other things that strengthen spiritual resolve, like faith, trust, experience, and conviction. “Lay aside every weight, and . . run with endurance.” Hebrews 12:1. What do you need to eliminate today in order to run with endurance?
Endurance provides ministry to others. The Bible describes people “Whose hearts are set on the journey. As they pass through the valley of tears, they make it a source of spring water . . they go from strength to strength.” Psalm 84.5-7. The tears you leave behind where you walk can be a refreshing spring for those who follow, giving them refreshment and strength for their journey through that valley, as God provided you for yours. The Bible promises, “Blessed is the (one) who endures trials because, when he passes the test, he will receive the crown of life” – a goal worth reaching! James 1.12.
My prayer for you today is: find the strength that accompanies and grace that awaits.