“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 12:1 (NLT)
Endurance isn’t acquired overnight. It takes time. It takes dedication. It takes discipline and stamina. It’s an act of perseverance, a daily choice to keep at it. Progress might be slow. It may stretch your resolve. But the best runners are the ones who show up every day, dedicated to the process while training their eyes on the prize.
Endurance (hupomone in Greek), is steadfastness, constancy, patient endurance. It’s the term used for a person who presses forward and doesn’t swerve to the left or the right, even through tough times. It’s the quarterback who faces off the opposing team despite freezing weather because there’s a Super Bowl to win. It’s the gymnast who falls off the balance beam yet climbs back up because there’s a gold medal to secure.
Have you allowed discouragement to get you off track? Are you sitting in the dugout, nursing your pain, willing to sacrifice a potential homerun because you’re afraid to get back into the game? Don’t let the enemy distract you from what truly matters. Don’t allow him to shelve your dreams, your purpose, your single-mindedness in exchange for apathy or indifference. That would be his ultimate victory.
Revive your passion.
Pursue God’s calling upon your life.
Stay in the race.