Endurance

By Pat

I wonder where Christians would be in their walk if there were never any roads to travel that didn't have hills? What if each path we walked was lined with flowers, filled with beautiful sunshine to warm us and light the way, birds singing, and level ground the entire way?

Well, I have never found that road. Believe me, I've looked! It's nowhere to be found. (I really don't think it even exists!) But oddly, it's okay. The roads I have walked have been laden with hills-some steep, some small. There have been many dark clouds, and sometimes rain. At times I have encountered thunder and lightning. But just as my physical body does not become stronger without regular exercise, neither does my spiritual body.

We know that building strength requires times of walking steep hills, not just physically, but spiritually as well. The times in my life when the path has been steep and rocky are the times that have produced strength and growth, strength that enables me to continue on boldly, for God helps me to endure each time of hardship. I do not walk alone. I do not give up. I have endured many times of trial, walked many hills, faced many storms, and haven endured them, amazingly. But not without the grace and power of God. I have learned from them.

There have certainly been times when I have felt discouraged and times when I yearned for that level path; wanted to give up. But Jesus urged me on. I have not traveled alone. YOU do not travel alone. Jesus knows all about enduring... Hebrews 12:2 says, "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of life, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning it's shame, and sat down at the right hand of God." Jesus knew what was waiting for him if He endured the pain of the cross, and we know what lies ahead for us if we endure the hills of our lives with perseverance and faith, and view them and opportunities to become stronger. And so, for now, I will try my best to face the rocky roads with determination, and walk my hills with the knowledge that God is beside me, and that peaceful roads lie ahead of me.

"Endure hardship as discipline. God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father?" (Hebrews 12:7)

Pat is a good friend who is passionate about her faith and her family. She works from home supporting a family business, and loves to read, write and garden when she can, and spends every spare moment with her grandkids.