Enduring for the Joy

“…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1c-2 (ESV)

Enduring for the Joy

A wise woman endures.

Late nights and early mornings are not my cup of tea! I prefer the “early to bed; early to rise makes a man happy, healthy, and wise” motto! However, my children are young adults now and endurance is what I need most. Enduring the fatigue in order to steal a short download of their day or to grab a hug and tell them I love them as they run out the door is worth it!

So often I am reminded of how God conditioned me when my children were little. During the middle-of-the-night interruptions, God repeatedly spoke to my heart that they wouldn’t be little for long and reminded me to relish the time even when it was hard. I’m so glad I heeded that lesson with babes, so I can again practice it with the young man and lady living under my roof.

Enduring means staying in the hard times: staying awake, staying accessible, staying alert, staying ready, staying the course. Endurance is staying when we want to retreat—when we want to throw in the towel, but deep down we know we should continue. Jesus endured the suffering of the cross because of “the joy set before Him” (Hebrews 12:2). You and me, we were the joy. Our being with Him throughout eternity was His joy. What is your joy? Why endure?

As you may be nursing a sick child or rocking an infant in the middle of the night, wishing it would all pass quickly—pray. Ask the Lord to remind you of the joy set before you in that situation. If young adults now pass through your door at all hours of the day and night, and if you are feeling fatigue suffocate your joy—pray. Ask the Lord to give you endurance to run the race.

Blessings and Love,

Katie

Go Deeper:

  • Is there a situation through which you know you need to endure? Take a few minutes and ask God to show you how to endure. Ask Him to show you the joy set before you as motivation to endure. Maybe you need to lean on His power and knowledge and just give it to Jesus to carry as you stand. He tells us in Matthew 11:29-30 (ESV), “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

What’s Next?

This week, maybe you need to take a little time to find your reason for enduring. Grab a piece of paper and write down what the joy set before you is in your situation Put it where you will be reminded of it when it gets hard to endure. Maybe you simply need to recommit your resolve to endure. Whether you need endurance in your marriage, endurance to continually point your children toward the Lord, or endurance to finish the work project strong, it takes resolve and a clear picture of the joy set before you. Lean on the strong arms of Jesus and let the Holy Spirit lead you. Remember…the joy of the Lord is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10 ESV).

Katie Sadler
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