Discovering the Strength to Endure

“I’m going to let you struggle, but I’m not going to let it kill you.”

These were the final words I heard before hitting a new personal record for bench press. 

I called over my trainer to spot me, just in case I didn’t have the strength to finish the movement. Normally, I’d be confident to handle it myself, but this particular workout was not highlighting my strengths. I could easily collapse under the barbell if the weight above me was too heavy. I had to depend on my coach to stay beside me, support my arms if needed, and give me encouragement to endure. And, in the end, I lifted a higher weight than ever before. While I did this one by my own strength, when I tried challenging myself further and failed, she was right there to help.

When we find ourselves in a trial, we don’t have to be afraid of the outcome or worried about how we’ll make it through. Jesus affirmed the reality of trials in John 16:33, reminding us of the hope and victory we have in Him: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (ESV).

Yes, challenges are a part of life. But, no matter how shocking the circumstance, nothing is a surprise to Him. Jesus knows – and has already overcome them all. And nothing is too much for Him to bear for us, with us, alongside us. Like me with my workout, we might struggle through a situation or season, but it won’t be the end of us.

Jesus is our Coach through life’s troubles. He is the One who guides us, encourages us, and pushes us into whatever comes next. Scripture points us to Him no matter what direction we find ourselves in. (While some verses are promises to a specific person/group historically, the principles remain true for us.) Here are some reminders to hold onto today:

1. God is with us…no matter what

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9 (ESV)

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” - Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,  I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:4 (ESV)

2. God is trustworthy…even when the world isn’t

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” - Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” - Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV)

“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” - Psalm 9:9-10 (ESV)

3. God is our strength…even when we’re weak

“fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10 (ESV)

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” - Isaiah 40:28-31 (ESV)

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” - 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

4. God loves us…even when we feel unloved or unlovable

“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.” - Zephaniah 3:17 (ESV)

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” - Psalm 139:13-14 (ESV)

“In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” - 1 John 4:10 (ESV)

The call to endure

“Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.” - Revelation 14:12 (ESV)

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 15:57 (ESV)

There’s a reason Scripture tells us to endure trials and tribulations…not just because God has a plan, but because He cares so deeply about us and for us…forever. Maybe it’s not about enduring by our own strength, but trusting and resting in God’s power and authority. It’s through personally knowing His character and goodness that we endure. Because when we know He is everything we need – trustworthy, loving, present, strong – we stop striving to have it all together. Instead, we seek the Lord to satisfy our longings and needs, knowing He cares and He will sustain us through our successes and our struggles.

Reflect: 

Which of these truths do you need to hold onto most today? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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