Dr. Dan Hayden •
Physical conditioning takes time and effort. Anyone who thinks they can get in shape overnight is sadly mistaken. You have to work at it. Now, did you know that spiritual conditioning is just like that?
Endurance is the key to experiencing victory in the Christian life. James 1:2-4 says, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
Now the testing of your faith is what produces that endurance. But, did you notice that you have to “let endurance have its perfect result?” That means staying with it – letting it happen not interrupting the process by quitting.
“Let it have” is a verb that means “to have or hold; to preserve or keep.” Hold on to it – preserve it – keep it going.
I like to watch High School and College wrestling. My son was a wrestler. Now, you’ve gotta be in shape to be a wrestler. Endurance is a key. I can remember late in the third period often hearing the coach yell to his wrestler, “Come on – you can do it – suck it up – hang in there – be tough!” Hey – that’s just part of what it means to be a wrestler. And quite frankly that’s just part of what it means to be a Christian. You have to “let endurance have its perfect work.”
Hey – come on – keep looking to the Lord for strength. Suck it up, hang in there—be tough!