Endurance

I had to replace my lost driver’s license this week. The nearest DMV to my home is in the courthouse of a neighboring city. It was a very short drive but I found that the nearest handicap parking spot was still almost a block from the door and the building sits uphill from the parking lot. It was a fearful sight, but I whispered the same brief prayer I always pray when I prepare to stand and walk anywhere, “Lord, walk with me and help me make it.” Then I began the climb one painful step at a time. As always He answered my prayer and I found some chairs just inside the door as I collapsed in one of them to rest my legs and catch my breath. Then I walked down the long hallway to the DMV. The workers there were very accommodating providing a chair while I gave them my information. When they found out I am a veteran they even waived the fee for the duplicate license. I then retraced my steps to the chair by the door and a few minutes later began the trek back down to the car one painful step at a time.

I’m sharing this experience with you because it reminded me that my entire life has been one long marathon that I have accomplished thus far one (sometimes painful) step at a time. It gave me encouragement and confidence to know that I can still do the seemingly impossible as long as I concentrate on each step and not on the challenging situation. Life, especially life as a believer, requires endurance and patience. The writer of Hebrews tells us, “Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised.” (Hebrew 10:36)

How do we gain the endurance we need? Paul writes, “We can rejoice too when we run into problems and trials for we know that they help us develop endurance.” (Romans 5:3) James also writes, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” (James 1:2-4)

God never gives up on us. The key is for us not to give up on God or on ourselves. Josh Billings once wrote, “Consider the postage stamp; its usefulness consists in the ability to stick to one thing till it gets there.” If we stick to the love of God through Jesus Christ, it will take us safely to our eternal destination one weary step at a time.