SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1367

“Spiritual Stamina”

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2

Spiritual stamina is the inner strength and resilience that enables a person to persevere in their beliefs and values despite challenges, hardships, or difficulties in life.

It is characterized by perseverance, endurance, and steadfastness in purpose. It is demonstrated as resilience in adversity and peace instead of panic in crisis moments.

We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses – Our reference Scripture from Hebrews 12 begins with ‘Therefore’, connecting us to a preceding passage where the writer describes a legacy of the faith of our forefathers from Abel to Moses, and all those who were steadfast in their faith, even to the point of persecution and death. This is the ‘great cloud of witnesses’ that surrounds us. These are those whose legacy of steadfast faith, spiritual stamina, and endurance, sets an example and encouragement for us.

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope… – Romans 15:4-5

Lay aside every weight, and sin – If you have ever tried to run to catch a flight while encumbered with heavy baggage, you know how difficult it is. We are weighed down by the worries, fears, and cares of this world making us unfruitful in running the race set before us. We must lay aside every weight that hinders our walk with Jesus.

The seed falling among the thorns refers to someone who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful. – Matthew 13:22

We are also hindered in running the race before us by sin, which clings so closely. Unrepented sin is like a leech clinging to our skin and sucking our life blood. We need to repent, that is turn away from sin, and be cleansed by the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit.

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. – Acts 2:38

Flee from sexual immorality… But as for you, O man of God, flee these things. Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. – 1 Corinthians 6:18; 1 Timothy 6:11

Run with endurance – God has set His purpose-driven marathon before each of us that we are to run.

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. – Psalm 138:8; Ephesians 2:10

Running a marathon requires endurance and stamina which are developed through disciplined training. Likewise, we cannot expect to run the race that God has set before us without daily training in the Word of God. Our spiritual stamina and endurance are developed through the testing of our faith and through prayer and the reading and study of Scripture.

For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope – James 1:3; Romans 5:3-4

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Looking to Jesus – He is the author and perfector of our faith. We must not take our eyes off of Him and look to the things of this world when faced with trials or when we grow weary or tired.

Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength – Isa 40:31

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. – Hebrews 12:3

Run to Obtain the Prize – The prize is eternal life through Jesus. Nothing in this world, no material possessions, no fame, no sinful pleasure – nothing is worth losing the prize.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So, I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control… – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy; giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. – Colossians 1:10-12