Introduction
Endurance is an essential trait for every Christian to possess. As believers, we are called to run the race set before us with endurance, looking to Jesus, the author, and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).
However, it can be challenging to develop endurance, especially in the face of trials and tribulations. In this post, we will explore how we can develop endurance through faith, according to the teachings of the Bible.
Understanding Endurance
Endurance is the ability to persist through difficulty and hardship, to keep going when the going gets tough. It is a fruit of the Holy Spirit, which means it is a quality that is produced in us as we walk in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). However, endurance is not just a passive quality; it requires active effort on our part. In fact, the Bible exhorts us to “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1).
Endurance is essential because it is through enduring trials that we grow and mature in our faith. As James wrote, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:2-4). Endurance is necessary for us to become mature Christians who are “perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
Building Your Faith
Faith is the foundation of endurance. Without faith, we cannot endure trials and tribulations. Therefore, it is essential to build our faith if we want to develop endurance. The Bible tells us that faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Therefore, we must immerse ourselves in the word of God, reading it daily and studying it deeply. As we do so, our faith will grow, and we will be better equipped to endure the trials that come our way.
Another way to build our faith is through prayer. Prayer is a vital part of the Christian life, and it is a powerful tool for building our faith. Through prayer, we can connect with God and draw strength from Him. As Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7). When we pray, we are demonstrating our faith in God and His ability to help us through difficult times.
Trusting in God’s Promises
One of the keys to developing endurance is trusting in God’s promises. The Bible is full of promises that we can rely on in times of trouble. For example, Jesus said, “In the world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). This promise reminds us that we can take heart even in the midst of trials because Jesus has already overcome the world.
Another promise we can cling to is found in Isaiah 40:31, which says, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” This promise assures us that if we wait on the Lord, He will renew our strength and enable us to endure.
Persevering Through Trials
The Bible is clear that we will face trials and tribulations in this life. However, it also tells us that we can persevere through these trials by relying on God’s strength. James wrote, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been tried, he shall receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him” (James 1:12). This verse reminds us that enduring trials and temptations is a way to show our love for God and will result in the ultimate reward of eternal life.
To persevere through trials, we must keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Hebrews 12:2 says, “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.” Jesus is the ultimate example of endurance. He endured the cross, despising the shame, because of the joy set before Him. We too can endure trials and tribulations by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus and the joy that awaits us in heaven.
Surrendering to God’s Will
Finally, if we want to develop endurance through faith, we must be willing to surrender to God’s will. We must be willing to say, as Jesus did, “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42). When we surrender our will to God’s will, we can trust that He will work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). Even if we don’t understand why we are going through a particular trial, we can trust that God has a plan and a purpose for it.
Surrendering to God’s will also means obeying His commands. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). When we obey God’s commands, we demonstrate our love for Him and show that we trust Him to lead us in the right direction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, endurance is a vital quality for every Christian to possess. It is through enduring trials that we grow and mature in our faith. To develop endurance, we must build our faith by immersing ourselves in the word of God and praying. We must also trust in God’s promises, persevere through trials by keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, and surrender to God’s will. When we do these things, we can endure trials and tribulations with joy, knowing that God is with us every step of the way.
As we close, let us meditate on Hebrews 10:36, which says, “For you have need of endurance so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.” May we all strive to develop endurance through faith, so that we may receive the promises of God.
