"Let us run with patience the particular race that God has set before us." (Heb. 12:1) In the natural realm, as well as the spiritual, there are many kinds of races. Each require special training. In a sprint, all one's energy is summoned to reach a close goal in the shortest possible time. But, in a marathon race, one must actually hold back, learning to pace himself, in order to endure to the end. We are all called at some point in our Christian walk to a spiritual marathon to endure some prolonged hardship or fight of faith. Heb. 10:36 tells us "You have need of steadfast patience and endurance so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised." I'd like to share some of the things I've learned and am still learning in God's endurance training camp. May He strengthen and bless you.

1. "Don't be anxious about tomorrow ... live one day at a time." (Matt. 6:34) I remember years ago when the Lord first revealed His plan to heal me. I asked Him, "How long must I wait?" His answer was, "Can you wait today?" I was startled! "Well of course I can wait today," I answered. That was the beginning of learning a way of life I have increasingly needed as years have passed. If I had known then that I'd still be waiting seven years later, I would surely have fainted. Almost any kind of suffering is bearable when we think of it for just a day. It's the looking ahead all the what ifs and imaginations that break our endurance that make us want to give up. Lam. 3:23 reminds us that God's mercies are new every morning. In eternity, there is no time. I believe time was especially designed for our weakness as humans so we would not be overwhelmed.

2. "Let us not get tired of doing what is right" (Gal. 6:9a) even when God seems far off and answers are long delayed. If God is silent, do what He last told you to do and don't worry about what others are doing or compare yourself to them. Remember He is at work in you for a specific purpose that He created and called you for. Even if you don't yet know what that is, He does and He knows exactly how to equip you for it. At one time, I was actively seeking, pressing in, and wrestling in prayer. Now I am waiting and having done all, standing. Meanwhile I continue doing what He told me to writing these letters, having daily communion with Him, and patiently (most of the time) enduring.

3. Fight the darts of despair and discouragement as you would Satan himself. "... for after a while you will reap a harvest of blessing if you don't get discouraged and give up" (Gal. 6:9b) I get attacked most often in the night. My mind is vulnerable and pains are exaggerated. If I let my mind go, my thoughts begin racing out of control and fears and doubts come rushing in. Recently when this has happened, I have begun taking all my thoughts and mentally wrapping them up in a package and setting them at Jesus' feet. That is often the last thing I remember because sleep comes so quickly. Sometimes I even have needed less medication! But once discouragement sets in, I tend to draw away from God. I am then of no use to Him and have a negative effect on my family. Although I'm not always successful I now see this as my main battle ground.

4. "Commit everything you do the Lord. Trust Him to help you do it and He will." (Ps. 37:5) I start every day by taking communion. But then, throughout the day I have to depend on God for the simplest things like brushing my teeth or other routine hygiene. I need His special strength and power even for the most ordinary things and so I am much more aware of my dependency on Him. In the flesh, I don't like this. There is that part of me that still wants to be in control. But instead of looking at it negatively, most of the time I accept that He is training me very specially to commit all my ways to Him as a way of life I will need even when I am well.

5. Recognize His presence even when you can't realize it. For "God has said, I will never, never fail you or forsake you." (Heb. 13:5) Acknowledge Him and continue to talk to Him. Rely on His word when you can't see or feel Him working in any way. Remember all the help He has given you in the past and recount His faithfulness. For years I kept a journal while I was able so I have a record and can see all that He has done. By remembering this, it helps me to be able to continue to expect Him to fulfill all He has promised that has not yet happened.

6. "Don't be bewildered when you go through fiery trials ..." (I Pet. 4:12) that come to test your faith. Endurance is hard and trial is no picnic so don't be offended when it does not seem joyous. Remember your reward is with God. Even if we know a thing is good for us, that doesn't make it pleasant. When a person has an operation he may be happy about the future results, but meanwhile, he hurts! Just because the outcome is for his good, we wouldn't think of denying him comfort and encouragement or easing his pain. Yet in spiritual things, we are often unrealistic and place heavy burdens on those who are suffering. Jesus didn't jump for joy about the Cross itself, but endured it for the joy set before Him. He suffered and responded in agony to what He endured and sometimes we must also. To go to someone with trite phrases about rejoicing or singing in the midst of agony is ridiculous. Yet we as Christians often expect that of others and ourselves. There are times God may do that in us, but if not, don't feel defeated because of it. It is okay to hurt. It is OK to weep, to grieve, to mourn. There are times these things are necessary and appropriate. But always remember that these afflictions are passing and are achieving an eternal weight of glory that far outweighs them all (2 Cor. 4:17). That doesn't mean you'll laugh through them, but if He is your focus, you will draw from Him the strength and comfort to endure to His glory.

Dear ones, are you in some difficult place with no turn in the road in sight? We pray that God will divinely enable you to endure with confidence and thus fully receive all the good things He has prepared for you. May we all reach the goal and in the process be enriched and deepened in the knowledge of Him Who has called us. We love you and thank you so much for your love and prayers.