Endurance

I am definitely being tested in the area of endurance lately. So, I decided to look up what "endurance" really means.

en·dur·ance

noun

1. the fact or power of enduring or bearing pain, hardships, etc.

2. the ability or strength to continue or last, especially despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions; stamina:(ex: He has amazing physical endurance. )

3. lasting quality; duration:(ex: His friendships have little endurance. )

4. something endured, as a hardship; trial.

Yep. That is definitely where I am being tested. The hard part is, it is not just in ONE area of my life, but many. On a personal level, a professional level, in my dreams and passions. It seems like I am being stretched more and more each day, yet I don't want to give up. I refuse to give up. It's hard sometimes. Seeing this definition though, really helps. It explains how I feel, and I know I am not alone.

As i am learning to run, I realize I love going long distances at a comfortable pace rather then sprinting. I wouldn't have the speed it would take to endure the test of sprinting, but I indeed would have the ability to stick it out until the end. Each day I spend training, I realize just how much easier each day is compared to the day before. Why is that? Because I endured the difficulty, overcame the fences that used to hold me back, and now? Now, I am willing to push forward knowing in my heart and mind that it gets better each day. Each day I pass that test of endurance while running I get stronger.

Sometimes situations in our relationships makes it more desirable to give up, to run. To not hold out for the long haul. To simply say "It's not worth it.". I will admit, I have been there. I have almost went into work numerous times to say "I can't do this anymore", but by the time I got to work, God would nudge me and whisper for me to just hold on a little longer. Wait! Endure! The blessing is coming.

Why I am sharing this now, I have no idea. Just felt it on my heart, that maybe today was the day. Today was the day to encourage someone else out there to stick with it. Build your endurance muscle. Embrace the situation for what it is ~ a test. Surround yourself with people and whatever may encourage you to reach out and continue to press in. Some may say "It's just not worth it anymore" but let me tell you " YOU are worth it!". When we give up on anything in our life, the only thing we really give up on is our self. And sometimes when we give up on our self, we give the permission to others to give up on us as well.

¹ We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. ² Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. ³ For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”^{[a] 4} For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
⁵ May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, ⁶ so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:1-6 NIV

When I looked up scriptures on endurance, this one was first on that list. Well, to be honest not the whole passage I quoted, but I had to read before and after. It is speaking to me this morning, and I have tears of joy! Tears of KNOWING that this blog post and His living word is going to minister to someone, even if it is myself.

So, my challenge to you is to stick with it! Don't give up! Build that endurance muscle.

As always,