This message is from Pastor John in the February church newsletter…..

As I continue with several of my new year health resolutions, I am reminded of the need for endurance. Endurance comes with effort. One does not have endurance automatically. It is developed as one reaches the point of fatigue and slows down to rest, but then gets back into the race or activity shortly afterward.

This same principle holds true as well for every aspect of spiritual life. Living out the principles of Christ is not something that happens automatically nor is it easy. We must make effort to live the spiritual life. As we attempt to live the life, we find ourselves lacking the ability to continue faithfully. We get tired, we get frustrated, we don’t feel like we’re moving forward. We often stop, considering giving up, but at some point we must continue. We are called to “run the race before us with patience and endurance.” [Hebrews 12:1] It is a course that has been set before us by the Lord for His purposes and for our training in righteousness. By continuing, we also learn that we must rely upon the strength of Christ in us to press on. We must learn spiritual endurance in the Lord.

“Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be put out of joint but rather be healed. Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” Hebrews 12:12-14

We must keep going. There will be times when you are fatigued, times when your knees will feel too weak for the demand, times when you just want to give up and rest. Keep going, and rather than looking at the moment to give you satisfaction, look to the Lord who is the author and finisher of your faith. May we all find our endurance in Him.