Endurance through Discipline

Practically every year, when spring weather rolls around I feel a burst of
energy. Living in an area that gets long, cold winters for more than half
the year, I always feel a sense of happiness when spring comes. And almost
every spring, I love to enjoy the beautiful fresh air and new life by going
jogging outside. After a couple times of running, however, I tend to have
the same problem every year… sore ankles. I vividly remember having to
apply ice packs to my legs for several days to help the swelling after last
year’s jogging spree. Once I experience my annual sore ankles, I usually
don’t want to go jogging again—that is, until spring rolls around once
more—forming a cycle that has yet to be broken.

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The writer of Hebrews was familiar with this problem, not just physically,
but spiritually. Every Christian is running a race in this life to fulfill
our God-given purpose to love God and others. But after a while, we tend to
develop aches and pains—weaknesses in our spiritual lives that have
surfaced. These aches are different for every person; while I may struggle
with discernment, maybe you struggle with patience, kindness, or something
else. When we fall short in our areas of weakness, it’s so tempting to give
up and stop running all together, just like I did with jogging. But don’t
give up! All Christians have the encouragement of knowing godly discipline
can only make us stronger through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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My mom has shown me some leg-strengthening exercises I can do to discipline
my body and make it stronger. Spiritual discipline is very similar. First,
acknowledge your weaknesses “so that what is lame may not be dislocated but
healed instead” (Hebrews 12:13). Don’t try to tough it out by continuing to
go on—stop and get some help. As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit to
help us, as well as our family of other believers in Jesus. In God’s
community, our “weak muscles” are strengthened through prayer, God’s Word,
and the help of godly mentors. And when you feel like giving up, look to
Jesus. He will give you the strength you need to keep running. • Lily Walsh

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• What weakness are you struggling with right now? Who are trusted
Christians in your life—such as counselors, pastors, parents, or
teachers—who can help you in your struggle?

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Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding
us… Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our
eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-2 (CSB)

Read Verses:

1Cor.9.24-1Cor.9.27|2Cor.12.1-2Cor.12.10|Heb.12.1-Heb.12.13