Endurance. Blog #356.
It normally takes endurance to run with Jesus. Sometimes, he will take us on a 50-yard dash, but often, our journey involves running a marathon. We have to pace ourselves so that we are up to the challenge.
Enduring through difficult times is important, but so is understanding when your path needs to be changed. I endured through years of infertility. But at the same time, I was exploring various paths and alternatives to becoming a parent.
Each alternative was investigated until the path came to a dead-end. Quitting was not an option, but changing the path was a necessity. Endurance paid off and our path became clear. As we went through the chosen process each step brought us closer to our girls.
Each of our challenges is uniquely different. What we must endure and the trials we are put through are rarely the same. No matter the depth of the trail, I resist the urge to quit. I push through renewing my strength for the next challenge.
As we move through times of suffering it is important to take the time we need to recover but it is also important that we don’t give up. I look for the light or something positive that will pull me through the struggle. Once I find the light I concentrate on being thankful and prayerful regarding the light. In advance, I am thankful for the opportunity to move through the issue.
As our faith is tested our perseverance grows stronger. The hardships we are put through build character and strengthen our endurance.
Giving up is not an option for me, but there are times when my path takes me in a different direction. It is important for me to know and understand the difference between giving up and altering a path.
Our struggles bring us closer to Jesus and endurance helps lead us to perfecting ourselves.
Deborah Wanamaker | 11th Nov 24
Sooo true, and also the way I have tried to approach my life in recent years living with a debilitating progressive spinal disease and the resulting constant pain issues and limitations to my physical movement & appearance. Even as this disease along with new and worsening other health issues combined with the increasing challenges of being the POA, advocate and loving daughter to my 91 yr old father have compounded my daily struggle, I have tried to remain positive and thankful that my diseases are not terminal and that I am nonetheless blessed in many ways.
I have had to “alter my path” rather than quit what I had planned or wanted to do many times in recent years, accepting the fact that I will not be physically able to do most of what I loved and enjoyed nor spend my remaining years in the way I had hoped and planned. I try to focus instead on all that I am fortunate to have and what I CAN do. This includes touching the hearts and lives of others, spreading God‘s love and peace through my words and actions, and recognizing that this may be part of God’s plan.
But, I have to admit that lately it’s been getting harder and harder to remain positive, optimistic, and thankful. It’s easier to simply accept what are now impossibilities and give up on dreams and harder to keep trusting and altering my dreams and path. So your message really touched me today… made me think… It was something that I needed to hear today. Thank you dear friend.
admin | 12th Nov 24
Thank you, Deborah, for your beautiful words and wisdom. You have done an incredible job of staying positive through many challenges. When things seem difficult you dig deep and hold on to your faith. Much love, my friend. Keep trusting Jesus! Blessings, Laura