The Call to Endurance

Open Your Bible

Hebrews 12:1-17, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, James 1:2-4

After my first year of college, while I spent the summer at home, I interned with the athletic department at a local military university. That year, the Paralympic Game Trials were being hosted in my hometown, and the events took place on the military installation. I spent two weeks witnessing a unique type of endurance, but I will never forget this one race. 

I was standing at the finish line for a wheelchair marathon. Most participants had made it to the end, but one was lagging. News finally traveled to us, waiting at the end, that this individual’s wheelchair had been damaged in the race. We all assumed he would call it, but when asked, he insisted on completing the race. 

Minutes passed, and in the distance, we all noticed this man using his knuckles to move his wheelchair toward the finish line. As he came into view for much of the crowd, those gathered erupted with praise as we all watched an extraordinary display of endurance. You can tell that every inch forward required a great deal of effort, yet he continued. As he crossed the finish line, the crowd hushed out of honor and amazement. With bloody knuckles, he tilted his head back, chin raised towards the sky, with pure satisfaction all over his face. 

I think about this man whenever I consider the endurance we are called to as followers of Christ. 

I’m not much of an athlete and never enjoyed running, but I think we all are familiar with the exhilaration that comes when we start our race. We are ready to run, eager to finish, and hopeful to endure. But then we grow tired and weary.  We grow weak and discouraged by the distance left to go. Or, we get inflicted with an injury, stumble onto an obstacle, or thrown off course by a trial. 

Hebrews 12:1 makes it clear that a race is set out for each of us and that it must be run with perseverance. This perseverance is produced not from fixing our eyes on the finish line but on the perfecter and finisher of our faith—Jesus Christ. And while we run with great effort to obtain the prize of an eternal reward that will never pass away (1Corinthians 9:25). We press forward as we consider the example Christ set for us when He endured the cross. 

Like the man I witnessed on that summer day in June, our race will sometimes require us to look past our bloody knuckles and tired bones and look to Him. Our race will be filled with both triumphant strides and a grueling crawl. We are bound to grow weary, wounded, and worn. But we are strengthened by where we put our gaze. We are strengthened as we endure being disciplined by His correction (Hebrews 12:7). We are strengthened as we consider He who endured a great deal of suffering because He understood the great deal of good on the other side. 

In His goodness, Christ is both our example and companion. Calling us to the race marked for each of us and sustaining us through each stride. And as Charles Spurgeon said, “He stands with us at the starting point, and earnestly says to us, not “run,” but “let us run” (v.1).

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46 thoughts on "The Call to Endurance"

  1. Susan Lincks says:

    Let us run, my dear God!

  2. Jordyn C says:

    I’m not sure if you see this, but risen motherhood has a podcast and they recently had a podcast about interruptions and how we can handle them in a godly way. It might be helpful, they’re quick episodes.

  3. Terri Baldwin says:

    “Endurance “ in our faith, that is the race we must win!

  4. Laurie Crary says:

    Churchmouse, thank you for your words, and the recommendation of The Pour Over. I enjoy it very much.

  5. Jessica Fehland says:

    I just love this chapter of the Bible!

  6. jenn mejia says:

    This gives me literal chills and tears because it’s exactly what I was talking about with my boyfriend last night and how we all have a race to run, may the Lord bless us with endurance, patience and humility.

  7. Kimberly Z says:

    @Sarah D. Praying for you during this season. I can completely relate to your anxiety and the struggles that it can bring. I pray you find light during this time. I know God will find a way out of your current situation in the perfect time. If there is anything I can do to help you please feel free to email me at [email protected]. I’m happy to help in anyway that I can.

  8. Kimberly Z says:

    @Tina @Traci @Susan praying for all of you during your grief. I cannot imagine what any of you have been through and I admire all of your strength. All of you are such great examples to those around you.

  9. Jennifer Anapol says:

    I pray I would run this race well. ❤️✝️

  10. GramsieSue says:

    The one theme that runs through this chapter is endurance.
    The believers were getting weary and wanted to give up.
    Oh yes, we all know that feeling.
    The writer of Hebrews was encouraging them to keep moving forward. To remove anything that would hinder their progress.
    Faith in Christ enables us to endure.
    We have to keep on looking to Jesus. Not just once. Continuously. Every minute of every day.

    Instead of trying to escape the difficulties of life, we should rather be “exercised” by them so that we might grow and mature and become more like Him.

    Oh these lessons are hard. We want easy. But that’s not what helps us grow. So we look to Jesus, stay fixed on Him, seek Him, yield to His Spirit…and grow in faith.

    Prayers for those of you who have painful anniversaries.
    Hugs to all. ❤️

  11. Claire B says:

    ♥️

  12. Cee Gee says:

    KAT D, the NIV does paint a painful picture in that verse. If you use the links above the devotional, you can choose other translations easily. SRT uses CSB, but you can tap on that link to see other translations. Hope that helps!

  13. Mercy says:

    The chastening of God is grievous. I listened to a preacher who raised this question, “Can you tell the difference between God’s chastening and the devil’s attack?”. I pondered and agreed that there was much similarity between the two. If we are mature, which we ought to desire to be, we need to be able to discern the difference. The preacher went on to disclose his observation that God’s testing/chastening is to correct us and stretch us to another level to be like Him for a bigger mission, a promotion ahead, while the devil’s attack is to destroy us or completely finish us. My loving dad used to spank me with a rod when I was little. He did that once or twice my entire childhood, and that made me so well behaved, and I learnt to respect boundaries early on. Looking back, I am thankful. I remembered it hurt and I cried for a bit, yet when I looked at my dad, it hurt him too -I can never forget! The pain of a Father who disciplines/chastises out of love shows his compassion and tender mercy. But the devil is wicked, if I fall and cry- by his tripping- he will rejoice and throw a party at my misfortune. God is merciful in His chastening to conform & mold me into His godly and tough characters. All the while, God can turn the wounds and scars the devil brings me into a weapon of discernment and an emblem of strength. A seasoned sailor after all is marked by the storms he has been through. It is hard to understand that our suffering is ordained, foreseen, allowed by God for the glory of His purpose. Despite our limited understanding and dislike of the grievous chastise, blessed are those who endure to the end, for they will be saved (Matthew 24:13). “My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” (Hebrews 12:5-6). Father, may your Grace help us to embrace the loving chastise as it comes with thankfulness and understanding, help us to remember Your example to focus on the joy ahead to be able to endure the weight of our own cross. Bless us with the joy to endure, and the power to finish strong. Amen. Be blessed dear sisters.

  14. Susan says:

    Tina and Traci, I am praying for you both as the anniversaries approach. No mother ever wants in this “club” , the sacred circle of the sorrowing. But let us all run this race for God’s glory and honor. As our family approaches Andy’s birthday the day before Thanksgiving,(he was born on Thanksgiving), may we do so with mourning and joy….that we had him for almost 44 years.

  15. Jan says:

    In today’s lesson, I thought of the ‘great cloud of witnesses’ as the writer spoke of the crowd cheering on the man in the wheelchair. I can imagine the throng of heaven cheering on those who are lagging, those who are discouraged or beaten down by life events. I pray for each of you as you bring your challenges and heartaches and joys to the Lord. May you find rest for your souls and balm for your hurting hearts.

  16. Lehua K. says:

    Wow, today’s study brought me to (happy) tears. I am so grateful that Jesus paved the way for us as the ultimate example of endurance and love. I never noticed that either, about “let us run” instead of the simple command to “run.” He went BEFORE us and yet He is also WITH us in our own race. What a blessing!

    I was also brought to tears as I am reminded of one of our late business mentors who shared this verse (and 2 Timothy 4:7) in one of his talks. I am blessed to be surrounded by business mentors and partners who stand unified, and who encourage and support one another in our own journeys, our “race” so to speak.

    Feeling so tremendously blessed this morning and at peace, wrapped in the blanket of God’s presence, provision and protection <3 have a blessed day ladies!

  17. Lexi B says:

    Let us Run…I hadn’t really noticed that until now. Love that He runs with us. I also used to be a runner, but have struggled with planter facitis on and off. I know the thrill of starting and finishing a race. The discipline that goes into it.

    Michelle- I’m a fellow cancer survior too! This time, in remission for almost 6 years.

  18. Dorothy says:

    Lord help us as we run our race to better ourselves, to show Your love in us to others, to think the best of everything, and to NEVER, EVER, EVER give up. We know you are ALWAYS by our side and will be with to the end. Watch over and protect us. Remind us of the good in everything. In Christ’s name, amen.

  19. Heidi says:

    Saw the title today and even though I’ve been playing nurse to 2 sick kids on top of everyday life, I knew I had to take time to read it.

    The start of my current race was end of august when I began as full-time grad student in an intense, but highly esteemed, seminary. I was excited and in the thrill of all I was learning. However I was also overcommitted to things of value, but should perhaps have pushed pause on. I now find myself half way through my 1st semester and I’m struggling. I could give the laundry list of what I have to get done, but you all get that. You have your lists too. I keep getting hit with unexpected interruptions- one child sick, then the other, then car battery dies, then “on and on”- all on the week I have an enormous work load.
    I’m tired. I feel defeated and incompetent. It is very VERY difficult for me to accept defeat or think I’m incapable of doing something I want to do. Grace. It’s something I’m learning at a new level and still don’t fully have it.
    I don’t want “hard” to make me quit. That’s stupid. And I don’t want to keep feeling like I’m barely making it- IF I’m making it at all.
    Endurance. Considering interruptions as “joy” compared to the end prize. I definitely WANT that.
    Praying for the inspired motivation to keep going, and going strong.

  20. Traci Gendron says:

    The race was with Tanner’s illness. I never thought I’d have the strength to endure all we had on our plate. But with God all things are possible. He lifted me up when I couldn’t deal with one more medical issue. It was 33 years of heartache and also love. Tanner handled his illness with such maturity and grace that he was a wonderful example to me. As the 1st anniversary comes near, I know that God will once again lift me up.

    Praying for you Tina and Susan. I completely understand the pain.

  21. Donna Wolcott says:

    “He stands with us at the starting point, and earnestly says to us, not “run”, but “let us run”! Thank you dear Jesus for your leading, guiding, lifting and running this life beside me.

  22. Mari V says:

    Good morning ☀️ beautiful sisters! I was so moved, again by this devotional. I am a runner. And I love it. Most of you here know last Labor Day I broke my ankle setting me back, but once I was released to start running again I did. I am much, much slower but God knows what he was doing. I used to run alone but one day one of my daughters best friends mom asked if she could start running with me. I am no longer at the pace I used to be but that’s OK. We both are now at the same pace, but most of all I’ve gained a beautiful friend who also loves Jesus. We have talked, shared, and cried together during our walk/runs. God is so good! I’ve shared with her that many times just like in this devotional I look ahead and I imagine Jesus waiting for me with his open arms at the FINISH line.

  23. Kat D says:

    Today’s readings were hard with words of “we all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it” and “I beat my body and make it my slave…” NIV-maybe I need a different version to read. I can not change my past, But God, I can look to “the perfecter and finisher of our faith Jesus Christ.”
    Looking to the better with the hope of an eternal reward. Thanks be to God!

  24. Katarina Friedman says:

    Praying for all the beautiful strong women reading these words today. My heart breaks for your pain and suffering. Hebrews has been so life giving to me this season. Lord help us all to know that you are running this race with us and beside us. That we are not alone in our suffering and pain. Thank you that you have gone before us and paved the path. Let’s us fix our eyes on you and not let anything distract us from running well.

  25. Jane K says:

    Thank you SHES for all your comments and insight. I glean so much knowledge and wisdom from you all. CHURCHMOUSE, your statement today, “May I keep my problems small and You big,” will be my desire too! Praying for you, TINA, as another anniversary approaches.

  26. Michelle Patire says:

    It’s funny, I run a few days a week. I used to run 6 days a week, before I included strength training into my workouts. While I ran yesterday, I was thinking about Hebrews 12:2 — not realizing we would be reading it today!
    “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

    As I was typing that verse out, I’m like, “Well,that’s encouraging. Jesus SAT DOWN after His race. Don’t we all like to rest after a race?”
    The last half marathon I did, I laid on the couch the entire day. I never do that. I couldn’t even make it to my bed – lol!

    Praise God we get REST after these trials.

    God, I thank You that even in what feels like harsh discipline, You are still good. Thank you for Your reminder that our race is not without a reward. The imperishable crown of eternal life. We thank You for Your love and modeling true endurance to us. For the JOY set before You, You endured painful suffering… May our hearts not forget this, as we endure.

  27. Sharon, Jersey Girl says:

    “We are strengthened by where we put our gaze.” Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross… (Hebrews 12:2) Lord, help me to keep my eyes forever fixed on You!

    @Tina, praying for you as the anniversary date of your daughters death approaches. I cannot imagine losing a child. ❤️
    @Erica Christian, praying for your marriage, your business and your parents health.

    A blessed Wednesday to my SRT sisters!

  28. Ashleigh H says:

    In the Hebrew verses today, I felt much encouragement to run my race well with eyes on the ultimate prize. The “root of bitterness” verse stood out to me today as I have been praying against bitterness towards infertility. I get discouraged and impatient with the suffering that occurs with my body not doing what I perceive many seem to do easily. I feel like I stumble and crawl back to the cross. Thank you, God, that I will eventually then there. Praying for all of you as well that the “root of bitterness” does not take hold within you.

  29. Sarah D. says:

    Good morning sisters! Praying for you all. Would also love your prayers as I have been struggling every morning this week. I started on a medicine and I think my body is still trying to adjust. This has really been pushing me to my limit, and I am praying that God would give me wisdom in what to do. I desperately want to get out of this job, because it is detrimental to my health right now. I just don’t know how, because it would not be smart to just quit. Prayers appreciated <3

  30. Sophia says:

    Praying for every person reading this today! Let your hearts and minds be strengthened by the peace of God and let us look to Him for comfort in all things. Sending you all love <3

  31. Emily McGhee says:

    I’m so encouraged by this. Thank you Lord for your grace and strength. Let us run our race with the desires you have paid on our hearts.

  32. Erica Christian says:

    I needed these words. I am so tired. My marriage is struggling, I’m a small business owner in a scary world, my parents both have severe health issues. It’s a lot to say the least. BUT GOD! I know if I keep my eyes focused on Jesus, I can and will continue forward. I’ll never have to walk alone because He holds my hand.

  33. Angie Mills says:

    Jesus is the Pioneer of our faith.

    According to Webster’s 1828 dictionary, a pioneer is:

    1. In the art and practice of war, one whose business is to march with or before an army, to repair the road or clear it of obstructions, work at intrenchments, or form mines for destroying an enemy’s works.

    2. One that goes before to remove obstructions or prepare the way for another.

    In the Greek, the word used means “author”.

    Jesus began the faith that is in us. He is sovereign. He writes faith within our hearts. He also went before us. He obtained faith for us. He goes before us to repair any obstacle that will cause our downfall. In His wisdom, He will leave some obstacles that will help strengthen us. He will work at things that are set up to protect us from His enemies. He has also destroyed the enemy’s work by His death, but He continues to destroy the enemy’s work through redemption.

    Jesus is also the Perfecter of our faith. He is the One who will work in us to make our faith perfect.

    How does He make our faith perfect? Just as His obedience was made perfect through suffering, so our faith is made perfect through suffering and discipline.

    Suffering and discipline help us to lay aside every hindrance that keeps us from pursuing faith. They help us to lay aside every sin that so easily ensnares us. They help us to learn to endure. They help us to realize that we are loved by a Father who does want what is best for us, to share in His holiness, to have the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

    So, let us keep our eyes on Jesus. Let us consider Him and the sufferings He endured. Let us not grow weary and give up. Instead, let us endure suffering as discipline. One day we will share in His holiness. One day we will have the peaceful fruit of righteousness. One day we will see Him whom we have kept our eyes on.

  34. Jenny Somers says:

    Tina – you are a gift. Thank you.

  35. Michelle says:

    ‘Let US run’. Wow. What a blessing to not have to go through life’s ups and downs alone. He is always with us.

    We all run different races. Mine was Cancer. Thankful to be on the other side of it. It was the closest I ever felt to God. And it has forever changed my faith. Trials often turn into blessings. Stay the course, my friends!

  36. Danielle B says:

    The Hall of Faith is often given so much attention, as it should, but as I began in chapter 12 this morning my heart felt joy. So much great encouragement in these verses to endure and we can because Christ endured. Discipline isn’t always easy to start, but then it becomes so natural. I’m grateful for the reminder to endure this morning. Praying all the She’s May also be encouraged today by these verses.

  37. Churchmouse says:

    Is an eternity with Jesus enough of an incentive to endure the hardships of life on earth? Lord, help me to keep my eyes on You as I press on. Let me not become weary. Keep my focus on the finish line, the end game, the living hope I have. Unimaginable glory lies ahead. May I try to keep my problems small and You big. Amen

  38. searching says:

    Such moving comments yesterday (especially GRAMSIESUE) and yours this morning, TINA.

    Strengthen us Lord, in our faith and our endurance of the challenges we face. Help us to speak more words of praise than disgruntlement, and expand our mind’s view and understanding to learn more about You from each hill and valley.

  39. Karen Roper says:

    Amen – thanks for the encouragement to endure. I have been through some hard times but am still enduring. Praise God❤️❤️❤️

  40. Aimee D-R says:

    Amen Lord. Holy Spirit, help me to endure.

  41. Kelly (NEO) says:

    In this world of “instant” (microwaves, same-day delivery, internet, 3-D printing), we in the West have a hard time with understanding endurance. May we, may I, be faithful in the waiting.

  42. Patti McLean says:

    The Lord IS with us even when we forget. That last quote got me… let US run. Thank you Lord

  43. Patti McLean says:

    Oh Tina I can not imagine!! Hugs as the Lord “runs this race WITH you”

  44. TIna says:

    As the anniversary of my daughters passing approaches, I am transported to that time and “that race”
    Boy, that was a tough one! Probably my most challenging, my most difficult, my most heart breakingly, mentally and emotionally toughest. So much of that time was spent wanting to give up on it all.. life.. this world.
    I was losing heart, and was so weary even before the start..

    BUT GOD..

    Tears roll freely down this life worn face, as I write, BUT GOD.. He picked me up slowly, one day (step) at a time, until the momentum of His love and care kicked in, until His loving and comforting arms filled, (and continue to do so), me, with the strength to walk first.. then in His enduring love, raised my head to fix my eyes on Him, on Jesus, the author and absolute perfecter of my (our) faith.

    The ‘race’ continues, but with my eyes firmly, though sometimes wavering, fixed on Jesus, ‘..my path is levelled under my feet, so that I am no longer disabled through my lameness, but rather healing beautifully in the Saviours love!

    AMEN..

    Thank you Lord God. Thank you Jesus..❤

    Happy Wednesday wrapped in love, hugs and prayers…always, dear hearts.❤

  45. Jo says:

    GRAMSIESUE, your words from yesterday really touched me, thank you! “So I will persevere in prayer, not to change God’s mind, or wear Him down, but to let Him work in my heart. This time of waiting is necessary. And God’s answer will come…
    at the perfect time…
    With the best outcome.”
    I am definitely carrying that with me today. It fits in so perfectly with today’s reading to “keep our eyes fixed on the author and finisher of our faith” Hebrews 12:2.
    In order to run with perseverance I must throw aside every weight that hinders (sins of comparison, self doubt). Lord please remind me when I am tempted to pick up these weights that they will hinder me from running the race you have for me, amen.