Faithful Endurance
I have fond memories of past summers. I enjoyed the freedom of no homework, getting to spend time with friends and having no cares in the world…except for one. Morning football workouts. As amazing as summer was each year, I was haunted by the reality that I had to wake up early and go workout. Honestly, it wasn’t even waking up early. It was the knowledge that at the end of every workout, we would have to do some kind of endurance training. It could be anything from holding a squat for several minutes to a timed distance run. I found NO JOY in these moments. Those last 20 seconds of holding a plank, or the ten extra push-ups seemed overwhelming or impossible.
With some perspective and age, it is much easier for me to see that those temporary moments of suffering made me a better football player. They made me push through the exhaustion in the fourth quarter to make a play we really needed. It made me finish the blocks and secure catches when my muscles didn’t want to respond. Those dreadful moments of summer workouts prepared me for what was to come during the regular season. It helped me endure suffering. Without it, I would have never endured the most difficult moments in the game.
Life is not a football game or a summer workout, but it comes with suffering. There is no avoiding suffering. Everyone in life will suffer. The question is what will we do when suffering comes? How will we endure? We get a helpful example from Paul in 2nd Timothy. He is at the end of his life, not from natural causes, but by an execution soon to come. While waiting for death and an experience of unimaginable suffering, he writes to his son in the faith, Timothy, who is experiencing suffering of his own. In chapter 1, he gives Timothy some encouragement during their suffering that I believe can be helpful for all who trust in Christ.
1. Remember the Promise.
“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God according to the promise of the life that is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:1).
A verse that is passed by so easily holds the key to Paul’s message. That in our suffering, we serve a God who has not died, but is alive and promises life to all those who would place their faith in him. What helps us endure suffering on this side of eternity? God is alive! God endured the worst suffering for us, and it did not destroy him. Now he holds the promise of life, and when we feel weak, we can remember that promise of life in Christ Jesus.
2. When it is time to endure, fan the flames of faith.
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” (2 Timothy 1:6-7)
What happens when we lose heart? Paul gives a great practical reminder to Timothy. He should take the faith that he has, that Paul affirms he has and turn the same flame of faith into a roaring fire. God is able to give us the strength to face the fears that come with suffering and pain, and we can use this gift of faith in our hearts to stir our affections for him when we would rather run and hide. But this flame is not just for us, but when our flame burns bright, others will see it and ask, “How can you endure such suffering?” Then we can gladly (and maybe sometimes through tears) share with them this faith we have in Christ.
3. Suffer for the Gospel.
“Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God” (2 Timothy 1:8).
Timothy is faced with a decision in the context of 1 Timothy. He can make his suffering easier by ignoring Paul and cutting ties with the gospel, or he can suffer for the sake of the gospel. What makes the gospel better? What makes us able to endure suffering for the gospel? God, and more particular, the power of God that comes from the gospel. Because we have hope, we can look at suffering and endure it. Because this world is not our home, we have a better hope, a better home. So now for this short time and for the sake of others to hear this hope, we can endure suffering for the gospel.