Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Do you ever feel tired? I don’t just mean physically. I’m talking about when you feel like you’re trying to keep your bucket full but there are a million tiny holes and the water is steadily streaming out. And yet you continue to pour out of the bucket into the cups of others (children, spouse, family, friends, etc) and no matter how fast you try to plug the holes and refill the bucket, the water continues to seep out. You just can’t get ahead. You are drained. That’s the tired I’m referring to.
The thing is…when we feel drained how often are we trying to do the refilling or plugging of those holes ourselves? If you’re like me, more often than you’d like to admit. And that’s part of the problem isn’t it? Far too many times, I have been guilty of relying on myself to be the strength to endure when I should be relying on the true strength…the strength only Christ can give me.
How exactly are we to endure? How can we continue to do the things that make us weary? Interestingly, endurance is defined as continuing under pain or distress without resistance or yielding to the pressure. So when we endure something we are sticking with it or seeing it through to the end. This reminds me so much of the refining process that Scripture refers to. It’s an uncomfortable process. It hurts. But it’s meant to because it’s making us into something new. It’s shaping us more and more into the likeness of Christ.
Regardless of your current circumstances, there will be a point in the future when you question whether or not you can keep going. Maybe you feel that way now. Philippians 4:13 reminds us that through Christ we can do all things for it is He who gives us the strength to endure our trials. And Romans 5 tells us that “endurance produces character, and character produces hope…” The good news is that we don’t have to continue to rely on ourselves for strength. And there is amazing freedom in that! We will always fall short. But Christ…He will never let us down.
Call to Action
How can we learn endurance?
- MENTALLY – cast away anxiety. Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
- PHYSICALLY – avoid unhealthy means of yielding to the pressure of difficult circumstances. Resist the temptation in finding refuge in something that will end up causing additional harm to yourself or to your family.
- SPIRITUALLY – seek God’s Word. John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim’s Progress, found strength and comfort in Scripture during his time of imprisonment. The humility of relying on strength given by God not only allowed him to endure a difficult circumstance but it sharpened his spiritual state and inspired him to write a book that would impact the world.
- EMOTIONALLY – build emotional intelligence! We can do this by becoming more tuned in to our personalities, our strengths and weaknesses, as well as knowing the triggers for negative emotional responses. Having a plan for stressors or negative circumstances can help us push through when we need it most. Surround yourself with a support team that can encourage you when you need it.
If God sends us on strong paths, we are provided strong shoes.
Corrie ten Boom
Tracy LaBreche
