Endurance

The heights by great men seized
and kept did not occur by sudden flight.
But they, while their companions slept,
were toiling upward through the night.

Endurance is a vital factor in the spiritual life. (Heb. 10:36) “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.”  (Heb. 12:1-2) “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…”

Endurance can only be developed by pushing beyond our present limitations. (Rom. 5:3) “We also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance (endurance).”

(Jam. 1:3) “Knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance…”

Spiritual endurance involves patient waiting for the will of God to be fulfilled in us by the word of God. (Psa. 119:32) “I shall run the way of Thy commandments, for Thou wilt enlarge my heart.” (Build endurance in me.)

(Isa. 40:31) “Yet those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.”

(Heb. 6:15) “And thus, having patiently waited, he obtained the promise…”

Endurance is the key to the abundant life.
(Joh. 15:9) “Just as the Father has loved Me, I have loved you; abide (endure) in My love.”

(Luk. 21:19) “By your endurance you will gain your lives.”

Endurance is the key to eternal reward.
(2Ti. 2:12) “If we endure, we shall reign with Him.”

Endurance is the result of keeping one’s eyes on Jesus. (Heb. 12:1-3) “Let us run with endurance…fixing our eyes on Jesus…who…endured the cross…for consider Him who has endured…”

(Heb. 11:27) “By faith he (Moses) left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.”

Consider a distance runner’s perspective and apply to the life of faith

“People can’t understand why a man runs. They don’t see any sport in it, argue that it lacks the sight-thrill of body contact, the color of rough conflict. Yet the conflict is there, more raw and challenging than any man versus competition. In track it is a man against himself, the cruelest of all opponents. The other runners are not real enemies. His adversary lies deep within him, in his ability, with brain and heart, to control and master himself and his emotions.” –Glenn Cunningham



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