Endure in Faith

When weariness sets in, we’re called to endure in faith, allowing God’s discipline to strengthen our walk and produce lasting fruit.

“Therefore, strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble, and make straight paths for your feet, so that the limb which is impaired may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.”—Hebrews 12:12–13 NASB

The Bible gives us many principles to live by, telling us that “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6). We’re encouraged to remember the great “cloud of witnesses” surrounding us and lay aside anything hindering us from serving Jesus, including “the sin which so easily entangles us.” To be victorious, we need to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” We must not “grow weary” or “lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1–4).

Hebrews 12 also explains why God disciplines His children. His discipline comes because He loves us, and it is always meant “for our good” (v. 10). He wants to refine and purify us, toughen and train us, so we will endure and be equipped for service. This can be painful, even “sorrowful,” but it ultimately yields “the peaceful fruit of righteousness” (v. 11).

Many people fail to cooperate with God or let Him complete His discipline in their lives. They use excuses to throw in the towel, but the Bible tells us to “strengthen the hands that are weak and the knees that are feeble.” Instead of giving up, we must embrace God’s discipline. Rather than letting our faith atrophy, we are to make it stronger through exercise.

Cooperate with God as He disciplines you. Don’t give in when you face obstacles. Refuse to make excuses, but boldly believe that God will help you, strengthen you, and give you victory.

Reflection Question: How can you cooperate with God’s refining work instead of resisting it?