Endurance

Endurance

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

OUR FRIENDS RYAN AND MOLLY went on a backpacking trip in northern Minnesota for Ryan’s fortieth birthday. Fittingly, the couple decided to hike forty miles over the course of a few days.

But a trip that was supposed to be a celebration didn’t end up being all that celebratory. The death of Molly’s dad shortly before their trip was a heavy weight on their hearts even as they prepared for the journey. Once there, the reality of hoisting a heavy backpack filled with all their belongings on their backs each day, then heading off to trudge miles along a difficult trail, didn’t match their expectations of having some time to relax and enjoy the beautiful vistas. Despite the trail’s location alongside Lake Superior, the water wasn’t even visible much of the time as they were often immersed in trees. Walking often felt monotonous, but they had to stay on schedule in order to make it to the next campsite for the night. In the evenings, they never had the chance to enjoy a single sunset because they were too exhausted to do anything but fall into bed after setting up camp.

Yet whenever they would be tempted to regret the experience, they’d glimpse an incredible view. And over the course of the trip, they grew to rely on one another. They had hours of uninterrupted time to talk. Despite the monotony, those many quiet stretches gave Molly a sense of peace amid all that was going on after her dad’s death. In the end, the couple felt achievement for their endurance through the challenging trail.

All too often, it can be easy to focus on the hardships we’re facing and see them only for their negative qualities. Physically, emotionally, or mentally exhausted, we can’t imagine trudging one more step. Yet our endurance often reveals facets of ourselves and of God: if we look back afterward, we’re often able to see the fingerprints of his hope and light interwoven through the experience.

Lord, when hardships come, give us strength to endure and hope for tomorrow. Amen.

-Kristin

One Good Step: Reflect on an experience that required endurance. How was God’s presence revealed during that time?