Called To Endurance – Part 4

There are many Scriptures that relate to endurance or, as Paul put it, running our race. Let’s review some of the reasons why we need endurance and what that means as we put it into practice.

Facts About Endurance

1. God does not change. Those who have been remade in His likeness (born again) are called to be as unchanging as He is! We are His children, and so He trains us to be consistent – like HE is consistent.

James 1:17-18

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.

2. We are not the first people to have travelled the path of endurance. The Bible gives us examples that we can emulate. We can be encouraged by their examples whenever we think we are suffering more than others.

Heb 12:1-2

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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.

3. Patience, or endurance, is a spiritual trait and not dependent on our own willingness or determination. It is supplied and strengthened as we follow the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Gal 5:22-23

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering [endurance], kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.

4. As we continue to follow the Holy Spirit we exercise endurance for the trials we will face – just like Jesus did.

Matt 10:37-39

He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.  And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me.  He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

5. As we remain in Christ we are assured that our effort is not in vain. As we continue to seek Him we are promised that He will use us to produce fruit – the same fruit that Jesus had!

John 15:5-8

I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.  If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.  By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

6. Since God has dealt with the sin question we can have confidence that He will continue to work in our lives, molding us into the image of Christ as His sons and daughters.

Rom 5:1-5

Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance [endurance]; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

7. God is attentive to everything that goes on in our lives. Nothing takes Him by surprise and nothing escapes His attention. Knowing this provides comfort and confidence in enduring the trials we all face.

James 5:7-8

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.

The End Result

What is God’s purpose for all of this? What can we expect as we build endurance through the difficult times? Why are we called to endurance? As always, Jesus provides the answer that we need.

Luke 21:19

By your patience possess your souls.