Devotional: Endurance
ENDURANCE
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
When your tests and trials come, they can nearly wipe you out. Olympic athletes have an incredible level of endurance or perseverance, however, they've trained for years to compete in their expected event, and it's probably their passion in life.
What about the trials you didn't sign up for, never trained for, or hit you unexpectedly? How do you endure through the struggle?
When your endurance runs out, know that the Lord Jesus Christ is right there with you to sustain you and give you exactly what you need to keep going and finish strong. Whatever test or trial you are going through this year, don't give up, keep trying, and keep asking the Lord for help. Like it or not, trials are good for us.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.
Romans 5:3-4
Remember, our trials don't even compare to what Jesus went through that one day. He was betrayed, wrongfully convicted, mocked, beaten, exhausted, thirsty, and forced to carry his own cross to be crucified.
God gave His Son Jesus the Spirit, strength and help needed to finish the job. Jesus suffered greatly for us, and because of Him, we can be forgiven, reconciled, saved, set free, and receive the Holy Spirit.
The same Holy Spirit that aided and resurrected Jesus is in you and can also aid you through your trials and give you that next level boost of endurance.
“And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness...”
Isaiah 40:31
but those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Father in Heaven,
I wait on you patiently, I trust you with my life, and I know you are there helping me in everything I'm going through.
Renew my strength and give me the same level of endurance, perseverance, and determination that Jesus has.
Let your Holy Spirit fill me up and help me in my moments of weakness. Help me get through my trials and thank you for providing for all my needs.
I pray and ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
