Since competing in a race requires high-level performance, we need to have some spiritual stamina to finish the course that God had laid out for us. Why keep persevering? Why continue standing against the currents of temptation, fear, loss, stress, misunderstandings, mistakes and impossibilities? Why keep on waiting? Why? I’ll tell you why…
It’s in this realistic arena that true character is forged, shaped, tempered and polished.
Romans 5:3-5 — And not only this, but a]”>[a]we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5 and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
1 Corinthians 9:27 — Like an athlete I punish my body, treating it roughly, training it to do what it should, not what it wants to. Otherwise I fear that after enlisting others for the race, I myself might be declared unfit and ordered to stand aside.
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