What Do You Think About Endurance?

 This year, a movie called Arthur the King was released. It is a feel-good story about a team trying to win a race and developing a relationship with a homeless dog named Arthur. No offense to Arthur, but one of the most amazing things about the movie was the story of the 435-mile endurance race in Ecuador's mountains and jungles. I was blown away by what each team that competes has to go through to be ready for the race and then to compete. 

Honestly, it reminds me a lot of the Christian journey. There is a starting place when we receive Christ as Lord and Savior. There is a finish line when we die, or Jesus returns. And there are a lot of “miles” from the start to the finish for most of us. We are called to stay the course and finish the race! There are so many things that can get us distracted or off track from what God has called us to, but we must stay the course. The author of Hebrews wrote, “But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved” Hebrews 10:39.

Following Jesus is so worth it, but it is not easy! In a Christian’s faith journey, there are proverbial mountains, valleys, obstacles, rainy days, hunger pains, stumbling, loss, and many other things. Paul writes in Philippians about how to keep going in the midst of all life throws at us in our long journey. 

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do all this through him who gives me strength” Philippians 4:11-13. 

Paul said contentment and strength to endure could come through Christ alone. Many Christians use Philippians 4:13 as a sticker verse, and they apply it to whatever they are doing, including sports, activities, finding a spouse, fulfilling their dreams, etc.

Paul was encouraging the Philippians and us that we can make it through anything thrown at us in our spiritual journey with the strength of Christ alone. He was not giving us a verse to tattoo on our leg as we strive to complete a marathon or accomplish a career goal. Paul was reminding us to persevere through life with the strength of Christ and the author of Hebrews was challenging us not to shrink back but to continue in faith. Winning a 435-mile endurance race or accomplishing any other feat on this planet ills in comparison to the promises we have in eternity through Jesus Christ alone! Stay faithful!

So, what do you think about endurance? We would love to hear from you! Post your thoughts in the comments!

- Pastor Jeff