The Need for Endurance
In this second portion of our study, we move from the starting line to the grueling middle of the course. We will examine what it truly means to endure through struggle and how we can support one another in the process.
The racecourse is fraught with challenges, hence the need for endurance. The “race of faith” is a marathon, not a sprint. The race demands a sustained effort over a long period of time. We must be prepared to persevere through trials.
The Greek word for race is “agona.” It carries the idea of conflict or struggle of many kinds. The Greek word for endurance is “hupomone.” It carries the idea of patient, conquering endurance, a steady, pressing on, refusing to be defeated. Endurance is a necessary trait in the race of faith.
The Need for Endurance
Jesus often taught his disciples about the need for endurance. In preparing them for the Great Commission, He stated in Matthew 10:22,
And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake, but he who endures to the end will be saved.
In His discourse on the Mount of Olives, found in Matthew 24:13, Jesus said,
But he who endures to the end shall be saved.
In Acts 20 verse 24, Paul pictures himself as a runner who refuses to allow anything to stop him from finishing the race with joy. Paul speaks of finishing my course. Paul had his race to run. Each believer has their race to run. God calls us to finish our agona, our race, with joy. It only happens as we apply hupomone, patient endurance. We develop such enduring patience with the help of the Scriptures.
Romans 15 verse 4 says,
For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we, through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures, might have hope.
One of the most inspiring incidents in Olympic history took place during the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona. British track star Derek Redman was in the semi-final of the 400-meter sprint. About 150 meters into the race, Derek pulled up with a serious hamstring injury. He crumpled to the track. Stretcher bearers rushed to the aid of the athlete. Determined to finish the race, Derek waved them off and pressed on in the race in great pain. Derek’s father leapt from the stands, pushed past security, and came alongside his son to help him cross the finish line. As father and son crossed the finish line, 65,000 spectators rose to their feet, roaring and cheering.
That is the kind of perseverance and determination we need to run the race of faith. We all need help along the course. We need to be willing to leap from the stands to help our fellow racers of faith. We also need to be humble enough to accept help from our fellow “racers of faith” in our own races.
How are you enduring in the race of faith?
Endurance is vital, but we cannot sustain it by looking only at the road or our own fatigue. To finish well, we must turn our gaze toward the one who has already paved the way.
Leave a Reply