Patiently Endure to the End

“In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God. We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.” 2 Corinthians 6:4 NLT

On Saturday, November 18, I had the blessing of running the 8th annual Heroes Marathon in Rolla, MO and posted this afterwards, “What a blessed day and race it was!! By God’s grace I completed the Honoring Our Heroes Marathon, for the 8th time (keeping my streaker status) and got to see some amazing finishes…” That means since the race’s debut in 2016, the Lord (and I give Him all the glory) has given me the strength to complete the 26.2 mile distance multiple times. And let me tell you, none of them were ever easy (no matter how much I smiled in the photos). There were years that were hot, some that were freezing, and even one year when it was both and the runners and I had heat in the morning and then were hit by a fast moving cold front about three hours into the race that pelted our exposed skin (most of us were in tank tops and shirts) with sleet. Now that was a hardship! But by making the determination to press on no matter what, I reached the finish line and claimed the prize that awaited me and every other finisher. 

And you know, it’s this mindset that says, “I will press on no matter what,” that every Christian must adopt if they want to be successful in their spiritual race and prove themselves to be “true ministers of God” who “patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.” And let me tell you, the list of difficulties Paul had to weather to be considered a “true minister” was very long and extremely arduous. But Paul refused to quit because he knew there was a prize awaiting him (and every other person who makes it to the finish line) that made the effort well worth the pain and the struggles. 

So determine within yourself now that you will take a stand to follow Jesus no matter the cost my friend. Continue to run the race without slowing down, backing down or compromising the Truth knowing that you’ll reap an eternal and priceless reward when you cross that final finish line, having remained a “true minister.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for not only laying out the race rules and the race route, but for revealing the prize we will receive if we continue to fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. May this knowledge spur us on to share the Good News with the lost at every opportunity so that they can also finish the race. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!