Enduring for the Gospel
Endurance. When I read the word, it makes me think of a marathon. Pushing forward step after step. Marathon runners are heroes. They win medals, make news headlines, and some even launch their own shoe lines. Marathon runners aren’t the only endurance athletes—there are all kinds of endurance sports. In fact, you might know one or two Novo endurance athletes. They can communicate much better than I can regarding what it is like to push your body, to endure, even when it hurts, even when it feels like you have nothing left to give.
I pause now to reflect on another type of endurance. Enduring chemotherapy. The endurance needed when raising a child with special needs. What is it like to wake up in the morning and face these hard realities? There are heroes in my life who are enduring these difficulties and shine as they do.
Take a moment to ponder these two questions—breathing in and out deeply ten times as you reflect on each one.
Who do you know who is enduring?
Where in your life do you feel like you are enduring?
We at Novo are all about gospel movements. What does endurance look like in gospel movements?
Maybe it looks like prayer-walking streets week after week, month after month, year after year. Or maybe showing up in a missional space even when we are rejected and insulted. For some it is asking “can I pray for you” for the umpteenth time. Many times I feel like I am enduring when I sit next to Jose outside the ATM and listen to him tell me the same story I’ve heard many times before.
Endurance is hoping and contending with God for breakthrough and People of Peace. It is accompanying the suffering in the destructive cycle of addiction.
We endure.
But why do we endure? How do we endure?
Let’s take a moment to reflect on these verses and listen to God as we answer those questions.
“But make Jesus, the Anointed One, your focus in life and ministry. For he came to earth as the descendant of David and rose from the dead, according to the revelation of the gospel that God has given me. This is the reason I am persecuted and imprisoned by evildoers, enduring the suffering of these chains—but the Word of God can never be chained! I endure all these hardships for the benefit of the chosen ones in Christ so that they may also discover the overcoming life that is in Jesus Christ, and experience a glory that lasts forever! –2 Timothy 2:8–10 (TPT)
Again, take ten deep breaths as you ponder:
What do I endure for the gospel?
Why do I endure for the gospel?
How do I endure for the gospel?
Where does God hail me a hero for my endurance?
If you are anything like me, my soul needs time to accept God’s hailing of me as a hero. It isn’t natural for me to absorb love and affirmation. In fact, affirmation for me is much like water on a duck’s back. So, if you are anything like me, spend some time today and maybe the rest of the week listening to God’s “well done.”
Take time with Jesus contemplating this truth through Visio Divina.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jonathan Rosa is married to the amazing Michelle and is a proud parent of three young rascals, Breeley, Bryce, and Adeley. This unit of five lives in Málaga, Spain and leans into gospel movements every day as they engage their surroundings.
