Run with Endurance

Nov 4, 20234 min read

Updated: Jan 24

Paul talks of our Christian life and compares it to a race. A race that must be run with endurance. What does that actually mean? Endurance is something that we can gain. Just like a marathon runner we can learn to endure, to finish what we have started.

"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," Hebrews 12:1

Be Disciplined

One of the ways that runners increase their endurance is to be consistent. Run regularly, on a schedule and don't skip training. As Christians we must also be consistent to be able to run our race of faith. Each day a routine of prayer and Bible study is required. For some more disciplined people this may be easy but for some of us it is difficult. We have to put our prayer and Bible study first, before our own wants and needs. We must be diligent. This can be challenging. We have so many things pulling at us, demanding our attention. We have to know where our priorities need to be.

A Little More Time With God

Another contributor to endurance in running is to increase your distance by small amounts every week. As Christians we can incorporate this into our daily routine by spending a little more time in prayer and/or Bible study each week. A little more time spent showing those around us the love of God. A little more time forgiving others. Think about what you do during the week. Would it really be impossible to carve out a little more time for your Savior? Don't we naturally want to spend time with someone we love, especially Jesus?

Let The Lord Handle Your Stress

Managing stress is another important factor in promoting endurance. Stress can lead to a weakened immune system, hormone imbalances and sleep disruptions. To manage stress we should take our cares to the Lord, for He cares for us. Share your burdens with Him. He loves you. Our Lord teaches that His burden is light. (Matthew 11:30) The Holy Spirit strengthens us for the work of the Lord (Ephesians 3:16). Be open to Him.

Where Does Your Strength Come From?

Strength training is necessary to have good running endurance. Our strength comes from hearing the Word of the Lord. Are we attending church regularly? Are we listening to Godly sermons, reading Christian books and articles, spending time with other fellow Christians who we know have walked the walk with faithfulness? All of this will strengthen us for hard times. It is so important to find our strength in the right places.

Paul Fought The Good Fight

In 2 Timothy 4:7, the soon to be martyred apostle Paul tells Timothy that he has "fought the good fight", that he has "finished the race" and that he has "kept the faith". What is it that Paul fought against? Sin. As he told us in Hebrews 12:1, we are to lay aside the sin which easily traps us. Paul makes it clear that the struggle isn't always an easy one.

Enduring Requires Armor

The Greek word that is translated 'fought' in 2 Timothy literally means to engage in conflict.

We know from Ephesians 6:12 that our fight, our conflict, is not with flesh and blood but with Satan and his demons. We also know, that to be able to fight with endurance we should put on the whole armor of God described in Ephesians 6:13-18. Paul is not saying that he does this all on his own. No, Paul knows that it is only the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit that has enabled him to fulfill the work that God had for him to do.

Grow In Endurance

Without growing in endurance, a successful Christian life is impossible. The Devil will attack us, tempt us and seek our destruction. Sometimes the Devil will use those closest to us to weaken us. When we first become Christians, our endurance may not be where it should be, but with faith and determination we can grow and be able to withstand the enemy. If it sounds like work, it is (2 Timothy 2:15)!