“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV
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 the endurance to run the race.
With Love,
Katie
Intentionality has been a motivator throughout motherhood, schooling my children, blogging and in my marriage. I love beauty, as it points me to my Savior, a great cup of coffee and time with family and friends.
I love 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” It reminds me in the mundane and hard places that God is with me and what I am doing is NOT in vain.
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