Endurance through Discipline

Practically every year, when spring weather rolls around I feel a burst of

energy. Living in an area that gets long, cold winters for more than half

the year, I always feel a sense of happiness when spring comes. And almost

every spring, I love to enjoy the beautiful fresh air and new life by going

jogging outside. After a couple times of running, however, I tend to have

the same problem every year sore ankles. I vividly remember having to

apply ice packs to my legs for several days to help the swelling after last

year’s jogging spree. Once I experience my annual sore ankles, I usually

don’t want to go jogging againthat is, until spring rolls around once

moreforming a cycle that has yet to be broken.

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The writer of Hebrews was familiar with this problem, not just physically,

but spiritually. Every Christian is running a race in this life to fulfill

our God-given purpose to love God and others. But after a while, we tend to

develop aches and painsweaknesses in our spiritual lives that have

surfaced. These aches are different for every person; while I may struggle

with discernment, maybe you struggle with patience, kindness, or something

else. When we fall short in our areas of weakness, it’s so tempting to give

up and stop running all together, just like I did with jogging. But don’t

give up! All Christians have the encouragement of knowing godly discipline

can only make us stronger through the power of the Holy Spirit.

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My mom has shown me some leg-strengthening exercises I can do to discipline

my body and make it stronger. Spiritual discipline is very similar. First,

acknowledge your weaknesses so that what is lame may not be dislocated but

healed instead (Hebrews 12:13). Don’t try to tough it out by continuing to

go onstop and get some help. As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit to

help us, as well as our family of other believers in Jesus. In God’s

community, our weak muscles are strengthened through prayer, God’s Word,

and the help of godly mentors. And when you feel like giving up, look to

Jesus. He will give you the strength you need to keep running. Lily Walsh

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What weakness are you struggling with right now? Who are trusted

Christians in your lifesuch as counselors, pastors, parents, or

teacherswho can help you in your struggle?

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Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding

us Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our

eyes on Jesus. Hebrews 12:1-2 (CSB)

Read Verses:

1 Corinthians 9:24-1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Corinthians 12:1-2 Corinthians 12:10; Hebrews 12:1-Hebrews 12:13