Endurance is the ability for a human to exert itself for a long period of time, usually used in regards to aerobic exercise. Endurance is also a spiritual quality.
Spiritual endurance, or perseverance, is the mark of a victorious Christian. It is the presence of inner strength and hope in the hidden man, and the staying power of a faithful believer. It is on full display during life’s difficult moments. Endurance is a spiritual trait that first comes from an inner confidence in God’s presence no matter where we are or what is going on around us.
Endurance is more than physical strength. Endurance is not only a display of one’s strength, but a demonstration of one’s strong determination as well. Strong will is a must-have of a potential winner. Oftentimes, many strong warriors lost their opportunity to win the battle due to lack of determination. They were easily intimidated by the discriminating appearance of their enemies, and they lost their will to win.
Endurance has the quality of timelessness, for though it may begin today, it has no end and it removes you from the confines of time. Endurance is developed within you day-by-day, as your spirit remains steadfast and the weeks drag into years. From moment-to-moment, and month-to-month, your spiritual goals must hover before your eyes, transfixed as the purpose of your life.
A believer’s spiritual endurance is more than his notable will to achieve something in life. Endurance is an inspiring exhibition of God’s grace and is an amazing result of a well-understood and sufficient grace of God being revealed through a believer’s life. It is joy and strength-producing grace.
James 5:11 states, “As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”
The blessings of spiritual endurance are beyond man’s earthly desires and expectations. They cannot be measured by man’s unreliable scale. As endurance grows to maturity within you, your spirit is rendered impervious to the passage of time. Endurance is the guarantee that nothing in creation can ever influence your personal relationship with your Heavenly Father. It begins with simple waiting, then grows into patience, then finally develops into an immovability that is unaffected by time.
A man of spiritual endurance is happy because he is sure that he is fulfilling the will of God and he is enjoying the loving-kindness of the Lord upon his life. Surely, God shows His love and favor to them that endure trials and afflictions at all times for the glory of God.