“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:6
When I first began track in high school, I remember how daunting running seemed. I hoped to compete in sprints. I felt that was much easier than running longer distances, because I ran out of breath each time I attempted it.
To my shock, the coach told me she wanted me to compete in the longer distances, hoping I’d say yes to running the 2400-meter. She’d observed me long enough to recognize that I had endurance, something many others on my team did not. I couldn’t believe her though because I was sure I wouldn’t be able to run a mile. Although I initially disbelieved my coach’s faith in my abilities, I found out that I was able to run a mile without quitting. She was right!
The Christian life is a lot like that as well. We worry that the journey to where we need to be will become long and difficult. It feels like we won’t make it. It’s easier just to give in and not push ourselves. But God has given us all the gift of endurance through His Spirit that indwells us — something we often forget we have so we end up not using it.
Since God has graciously granted us endurance, we do have the ability to complete our race on earth. We may struggle to get there, but we shouldn’t ever quit. As Paul states later in his letter to the church in Philippi, we have the strength to continue on in Christ: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
Dear Father in Heaven, we have everything we need in Christ. It’s up to us to use it! Help us to believe that what you are calling us to do is achievable, and that you will give us the endurance to accomplish it as long as we trust in you. Train us up Lord in your ways. Amen.
By Ashlea Massie
Used by Permission
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