How is Your Endurance?

Endurance varies from person to person, depending on the activity and motivation.

My husband and I both walk for exercise. At one time I was the more consistent, faster-paced walker and he preferred to “mosey.”

Until about a year ago.

Rick started taking his exercise more seriously, getting up early most days to complete a three to four mile walk before the day began—before I got out of bed. I go for my walk later in the day, after the school traffic calms down.

Occasionally, when our schedules match, we walk together. Please understand this is not a slow walk. I step up my pace, while he slows down a little. If I haven’t walked for a few days, I realize my endurance isn’t as strong and I have to work to keep up.

The discipline of endurance strengthens us for the long haul.

Keep at it to keep it up. We can feel like quitting, wondering if our effort is making a difference to us.

The Word of God reminds us to maintain endurance in the Christian faith walk.

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:4-6 NIV (emphasis added)

My heart is encouraged by these words!

The scriptures show us people who lived with patient endurance—Sarah waiting for her promised child, Job enduring many hardships, and Daniel who prayed through his captivity. When I recall these determined faith-walkers, I gain resolve to press on in my faith with a spark of renewed hope. My situation may be different, but God is the same. His steadfast love never fails.

God gives us endurance when we want to give up.

Meditate on these 5 verses when you need a boost.

God’s word encourages me, I am reminded of God’s steadfastness and how He helped others endure.

Knowing this helps me go forward.

So when I tie my shoelaces for a brisk paced walk with Rick, I know I can do it and that it’s good for me in the long haul.

How’s your endurance?