Endurance Is Mandatory

by Heather Tietz

Therefore don’t throw away your boldness, which has a great reward. For you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise.

Hebrews 10:35-36

I enjoy running as much as I enjoy getting a papercut.

But at least once a week I strap on my running shoes and force myself, asthma, bunions and all, to push out a mile or two. Some days I walk half of it. Yet as discouraged as I get, I’ve kept at it for nearly twenty years.

My track record hasn’t led me to a marathon and I feel like an athletic failure often, but I keep trying because I know my heart, my circulation, my muscles, my mood needs it. I’ve got a goal to maintain what health I have. Endurance is mandatory.

“Doing God’s will” is a race of endurance too.

There are failures and continuous perseverance. Experienced runners know that training to go great distances will always have miles of failures, but a true runner endures.

True faith endures as well.

Though there are mistakes and sin, there is always repentance and a return bold and hopeful, ready for another mile. Endurance is a part of the race. It’s worth it. Our hearts will be at peace. Our God-given abilities will be used. Our lives will be full. We’ll leave a smoother path for others to follow.

And there is the reward of Heaven at the end of our race.

Pray

Loving God,
Help me endure the path You give me today.
Help me to fulfill my duties with love.
Help me to ask for forgiveness when I make a mistake and then get up and put my best foot forward again.
In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.