The Christian walk is often compared to running a race marked out for us in the Bible.
I read some time ago that marathon runners need discipline and endurance in order to finish a race successfully. I submit to you that believers in Christ need to develop perseverance and endurance in order to run the race of Christian life.
Hebrews 12:1 “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us,”
Spiritual endurance (or “steadfast endurance”) is the power to withstand hardship, trials or stress; especially the inward fortitude necessary to finish the “race that is set before us”
Some of the hardships we go through are the trials and tribulations that we have to endure as part of our lives.
If we allow Him, God will use our trials and tribulations for our good and for His glory by using our pain as catalyst for spiritual growth, if we are humble and trust Him enough to use our pain for His glory.
In James 1:2-4 says “Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials. Be assured that the testing of your faith [through experience] produces endurance [leading to spiritual maturity, and inner peace]. And let endurance have its perfect result and do a thorough work, so that you may be perfect and completely developed [in your faith], lacking in nothing.” KEY PHRASE: “lacking in nothing”
We are also told in James 1:12 that “Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.”
We must have hope in God, a hope that does not disappoint to the point that we exult in our sufferings.
In Romans 5:3-5, we read “And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
LET US PRAY
Heavenly Father, Thank You for this day. Lord we ask that the Holy Spirit continue to empower us to endure and persevere through all trials and hardships that come against us. This is so that our faith can completely develop in You and we are more Christlike in our hearts and characters. In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray. Amen 
Have a blessed day 
