Endurance

Endurance

MY QUESTION for GOD

Why should I try to keep going when I feel like giving up?

A MOMENT with GOD

Let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.

Galatians 6:9

If we endure hardship, we will reign with him. If we deny him, he will deny us.

2 Timothy 2:12

I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

Philippians 1:6

Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

Philippians 2:12-13

Endurance can be compared to running a marathon, a grueling race that covers more than twenty-six miles and seems like it takes a lifetime to finish! The goal in a marathon is to run the race well, to endure the challenges along the way, to finish strong and receive the rewards that come with reaching the finish line. Those who finish near the top get tangible rewards such as trophies and cash, but everyone who finishes earns the greater reward of immense satisfaction from completing such a tough race. Life is like a marathon. Endurance is necessary to complete the journey. And there are tangible rewards for finishing strong—a heritage to pass along, a good reputation that others can follow, a legacy to leave behind. But the greatest reward for finishing life well is the prize of eternal life with God. This reward is given to all who have faith in Jesus Christ and who endure the challenges of the Christian life—persecution, ridicule, and temptation. Just as marathoners must train hard to build up their endurance so they can run the race and finish well, so Christians must train to build up endurance for living a life of faith in Jesus and staying strong to the end. When you have built up your endurance, you will not collapse during the race but will be able to push on toward the goal of becoming more and more like Jesus. Finally you cross the finish line into heaven and receive the eternal rewards God has promised. You can strengthen your endurance by focusing on God’s promises for the future instead of the problems of the moment.

DIVINE PROMISE

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.

James 1:2-3