In any competition, the most important factor is not how many begin with the contest, but who finishes and completes the course. Paul declared in Hebrews 12:1-3.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
Scripture tells us that we are to "run with patience (endurance, persistence) the race set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of our faith ... For consider Him that endured ... lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds."
The Bible tells us that patience is cheerful endurance. It is all about waiting on what God will do to your life and enjoying the wait like a child with anticipation.
How can we run best with endurance?
1. TAKE OFF EVERY UNNECESSARY WEIGHT- LET GO OF ALL THE EMOTIONAL BAGGAGE YOU HAVE IN YOUR HEART. FORGIVE. FORGET. STOP BEING STRESSED, BECAUSE YOU ARE BLESSED.
-Romans 5:3-4
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope,
2. BY REMOVING EVERY SIN- START REMOVING ALL THE BAD HABITS YOU HAVE RIGHT NOW, SO THAT BEING FREE WILL JUST TAKE PLACE IN YOUR LIFE.
-James 1:3
For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
-James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
Looking into these scriptures, we see that there is a race “set before us.” Therefore, there is an inevitable need for endurance; we need to focus on our vision, keep the rules through self-discipline, desire to follow and determination to win. Otherwise, we will become vulnerable to defeat and failure.
Endurance, by the very sense of the term, denotes the necessity of opposition. Jesus gave several promises "to him that overcometh", but there must be obstacles, things to overcome, if we are to lay hold of the prize.
Paul repeatedly encouraged believers to "continue in the faith ... for we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:21, 22) "If we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end," then we shall obtain the reward. (Hebrews 3:5, 6, 14) Again, the choice is ours, and it is conditional: "If we ..."
The need for endurance in the Christian life is crucial. Whether we are aware or not, a continual battle is taking place within us. Being a soldier is not enough to win the war. We must actively "Fight a good fight. All the weaponry in the world will do us no good unless we actively and intentionally resist the attacks of the enemy.
Even with all the preparation, practice and accuracy of perfection in any sport, unless one has the longing to compete and win, his training is useless. We can have all the know-how and go through the religious exercises of Christianity; but unless there is within us a ravenous desire to follow hard after the Lord, to know him in his fullness, the final record will reveal our place as falling far short. Isaiah said, "the willing and the obedient shall eat the good of the land." Isaiah 1:1
