Endurance
Endurance
by Autumn R. Finklea
Endurance can be challenging. Just ask any athlete. They’ll also tell you it’s rewarding in the end—and the same is true for spiritual endurance.
My husband and I are the proud parents of two athletic princesses. Having been a former athlete himself, as a father he always emphasizes the importance of building up endurance in our children. It's not uncommon for him to declare a push-up challenge on any given day in our home. There are times when the girls are all in and conquer the challenge. On the other hand, there are times when they start off strong but halfway through the challenge tap out and say things like “it’s too hard,” or “why do I have to do this anyway.”
There have been seasons in my life when I have had to embrace challenges that God has allowed me to face. Like my daughters, I have said to God “it’s too hard,” or have asked Him “why do I have to do this anyway.” Just as my husband desires to teach our girls physical endurance, God the Father uses His holy strategies to build our spiritual endurance. Sometimes this means walking through seasons of wilderness, encountering relational challenges, or surrendering to a season of waiting for our heavenly Father to answer us.
Nevertheless, He gives us the strength one day at a time to endure our unique challenges. We don’t always see the faith building that is occurring because our focus is fixed on the problem and not the Father. But when we dare to press into His presence, unbreakable intimacy forms—giving us the patience, persistence, and perseverance needed to conquer the challenge we are facing.
Reflection
- Think back to a time when your endurance was tested. What challenge did you face?
- Did that season strengthen your faith, or leave you weary?
- How did God meet you in the middle of it?
(Take a moment to journal your thoughts or simply reflect quietly with the Lord.)
Prayer
(Personalize this prayer by inserting your name.)
God, thank you that my challenges create an opportunity for me to draw near to you. Thank you that you knew all about my challenges before I did and that you already have a plan for me to overcome because your word says that you will never give me more than I can bear. God, please give me the strength to endure and to find joy in you when I am called to wait. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture
James 1:2-4 (ICB)
[2] My brothers, you will have many kinds of troubles. But when these things happen, you should be very happy. [3] You know that these things are testing your faith. And this will give you patience. [4] Let your patience show itself perfectly in what you do. Then you will be perfect and complete. You will have everything you need.
Romans 5:3-4 (AMP)
[3] And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; [4] and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation].
Closing Encouragement
Whatever challenge you’re facing today, remember—God is building endurance in you. Don’t tap out. Press in.
This devotional is adapted from my book, From My Heart to Yours: A Journey of God’s Grace. If this message encouraged you, you’ll find more reflections like this in its pages—written to strengthen your faith and remind you of God’s presence in every season.
