This morning I hiked a trail that was new to me. It was beautiful and I really enjoyed the scenery. I had checked out the trail on Google yesterday. It appeared to be about 6.5 miles long. However, as I was hiking, the trail seemed to be longer than I expected. The mileage markers stopped and I still had a ways to go. My wife was waiting for me at the end of the trail. I had no option but to keep going, although I was getting awfully tired. I persevered through the 9 mile hike and made it to our meeting point.
I gained a couple rewards through endurance. First I got to see some wonderful sights. Then I realized that I had more strength than I had thought. Thirdly I gained confidence and strength for future hikes.
Hebrews 10:35-36 says, “Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.” We will all face good and bad times. It is enduring these times by trusting God that strengthens us and teaches us how to live in righteousness. Every time we persevere a trial by faith, our faith becomes stronger and we become wiser. Our God is faithful and will lead us into His promised reward.
Reluctant Retiree 