Recently, during an evening run, the Lord revealed to me the importance of obtaining endurance while living by faith (Heb. 10:38). On a running path, there are many types of obstacles a runner will face to tempt them to give up or quit the path that is set before them. Hills, turns, dips, and sudden interruptions will test the ability of a runner’s stamina to stay on course and do not give up. In fact, every obstacle is uniquely designed to expose an area of weakness in the runner’s physical strength. Running up hills, for example, requires the runner to focus more on “mind over matter” despite the physical cues of the body to slow down or completely quit and give up. In the same way, the faith of every believer is tested and tried with similar types of obstacle courses to obtain promises, reach destinies, and ultimately to attain the goal of eternal life. The secret weapon to victory is endurance. Endurance is the “secret sauce” that determines victory or defeat. Endurance is defined as the fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way (Google). In the sports industry, the Boston Celtics hold the record of having won the most NBA championships since 1954. In spite of the many changes inside the Celtics organization and on the court over the years, players honed a level of endurance that contributed to a legacy of success reaching a span of fifty years. Development of endurance among the team and Celtic’s culture has contributed to their winning streaks. For the Celtic organization, the team and staff’s ability to endure every challenge that they were confronted with was the key. In the same way, a lifestyle that is Christ-centered on His promises, and His way of doing things (Matt. 6:33) will require an inner strength that comes only from God. It doesn’t magically prevent anyone from experiencing difficult and hard situations. Instead, it provides people with an anchor for their soul, mind, and spirit that is strengthened through reliance on Him, His Holy Spirit, and the power of the Word of God. The writer of the Book of Hebrews stated it this way:
“We have this hope as an anchor of the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:19-20, NIV)
Jesus, who ran the faith race before us, has already provided His people with numerous resources to endure every difficult situation that will confront us in our lifetime. Some of our national crises include a pandemic that makes us afraid and insecure about our future. Systemic racism and prejudice that hold scores of people in hostage to a perpetual cycle of poverty, fear, doubt, and worry on a daily basis. A nation reeling into financial instability from economic upheavals. Perilous times, indeed. Despite every crisis, Jesus became a High Priest for us. This means that He offered a sacrifice for the sins of humanity that were required as full payment for a morally and corrupt life and its due punishment from a holy and a just God.
What was the sacrifice that was given by Jesus?
Jesus paid the price for the sins of humanity through His death on the cross for all mankind to reap every spiritual benefit that was given as a gift of grace (Rom 3:24). No one had to work and labor for it, no amount of money could ever pay for it. The only method of exchange for His grace is faith. Faith to believe that Jesus willingly gave His life (shedding of His blood), so that everyone could live free from sin. Among the infinite number of benefits gained through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we’ve been given hope, faith, love, and eternal life. Don’t take my words for it, you can read the scripture below:
“For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past,” (Romans 3:25, NLT)
Equally important, is the unconditional love from God given to all mankind through Jesus’ death and resurrection. God’s actions show that He is a loving God; not an unmerciful or condemning one. Truthfully, His love for humanity is beyond anything we can imagine in our finite wisdom. The love of God is completely packaged within salvation. Once a person believes that Jesus died for their sins, and God raised Him from the dead; that person is saved. Salvation also includes God’s wonderful benefits package: Saved from God’s punishment (Hell; eternal damnation) for sin. Saved from a sinful nature. Saved from sickness. Saved from diseases. Saved from everything that will cause a person to spend an eternity in Hell and forever separated from a loving God. Check out a very familiar passage of scripture :
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but will have everlasting life”(John 3:15 NIV).
Therefore, it is important to develop endurance to sustain a life rooted in the faith of Jesus’ sacrifice to overcome all sins and to live a victorious life. When life becomes unpredictable and filled with grief and sorrow, giving up can almost feel like a relief from the pain. Rather than give up on life, take the opportunity to receive hope for another day. Jesus extends an invitation to everyone into this hope and provides strength to endure every challenge on life’s journey. In spite of the hopelessness that trouble and crises can bring, God’s gift of salvation provides the hope and belief that through His amazing gift we now have the victory. Hallelujah!
If you desire this hope that will provide eternal salvation for the forgiveness of your sins and an eternal life with Jesus, or if you desire to return to a relationship with Jesus, repeat this prayer: Jesus, thank you for providing hope for me in the midst of uncertain times. Forgive me for all of my sins against you. I believe that you died on the cross for my sins, and God raised you from the dead. Come into my heart and give me everything that your death has provided for me to live a victorious life in you. Thank you, Amen.
Congratulations! You are now apart of God’s family. My prayer for you is that God will connect you with other believers and a church family so that you will grow in your new life with Jesus!
Peace and Blessings…Copyright©2020, Kristen L. Gray all rights reserved
