Run the Race with Endurance

In Hebrews 12:1, Paul tells us to, "...run with endurance the race that is set before us."  Paul understood that this life is a marathon that can only be won if we have the stamina to hang in there the whole race.

We westerners suffer from a lack of endurance. Our society is constantly on the move, and surveys show that at least 50% of engaged couples occasionally think that if their marriage doesn't work out they can always just try again. It's much easier for us to walk away, give up and become bitter than to endure to the end. It's uncommon even in the church today to find this sense of permanency and commitment in the face of difficulty that the Bible talks about in following Jesus.

Especially if you are a young person, I want to encourage you to hold on to the word "endurance." Paul wrote to his young friend Timothy, "Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Jesus Christ."
(2 Tim. 2:3)   In other words, although enduring hardship is difficult hang on to it, because it will help you grow spiritually and become more Christ-like.

I want to encourage you to think about 10, 20, or 40 years down the road, when your race is over. You should be able to say, "I ran the race well." Whatever discouragements and difficulties we face right now are not the end of the world. They are only temporary afflictions. God has already given us His grace to win the victory. Don't give up, keep running the race!

Prayer Points:
Prayer for Christians who face extreme persecution in India will remain steadfast through the grace of God
Pray that God would protect Christians from the many disasters that hit this country
Pray for strengthening and the multiplication of new churches
Pray that thousands of people will be reached by the gospel

Check out our website for opportunities to pray for the Persecuted Church in India