Have you ever watched the Ironman Triathlon? These incredible athletes swim more than 2 miles, bike more than 100 miles and run 26 miles. They battle the heat, pain, exhaustion and mental agony for more than 8 hours.
What makes them endure so much pain and continue on? It is the Finish Line. They endure the pain for the glory of the Finish.
We do the same thing all the time. When we go on vacation by car with kids, we endure the backseat noise, complaints, and quarrels, because we know that when we get to our destination we will have a good time. On our way up the corporate ladder, we endure menial tasks, office politics, and disappointments to arrive at a fulfilling and productive position.
Life often gives us obstacles to overcome as well. Disappointment and frustration come at us from various sources. How can we not just endure sufferings, but overcome them and be victorious? In Hebrews 12:1-2 God shows us the way and gives us a model. “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
For those of us who love God and believe in Jesus, we can endure the suffering by fixing our eyes on Jesus and the glorious eternity that awaits us at the finish line. Endurance is made much easier if we also lay aside sin and the worldly passions that slow us down. Jesus is our example.
Reluctant Retiree 