Endurance Trainingናሙና

DISAPPOINTING VICTORIES

When I attended the Comrades marathon in 2015, I was surprised at the rough terrain it covers. If you watch it on television, you mostly look at close-up images of runners without considering the surroundings. The race follows hill after hill, and often one just flows into the next. How disheartening it must be to reach the top of an excruciating climb just to find another more grueling path ahead. Being disappointed at the outcome of hard-earned victories can kill our endurance fast. Again, the Israelites knew the feeling well.

After the spectacular splitting of the Red Sea, the Israelites were going strong. They were in great shape while celebrating their victory over the Egyptians (Exodus 15:1-22). They could do anything! So when they reached an oasis after three days without any water, I am sure that they were delighted to achieve another milestone. Except, it turned out not to be an oasis at all. “When they came to the oasis of Marah, the water was too bitter to drink. So they called the place Marah (which means “bitter”) (Exodus 15:23, NLT). Naturally, their endurance faded quickly.

Of course, God delivered the Israelites from their disappointment. For his glory. Because it is only by his grace that we find the strength to endure. “It was there at Marah that the Lord set before them the following decree as a standard to test their faithfulness to him” (Exodus 15:25, NLT). Centuries later, I am sure that Martha and Mary experienced the same endurance-killing punch in the gut when their brother died (John 11).

At the time of Lazarus’ death, followers of Jesus were in top shape. They have witnessed miracle upon miracle which kept them going strong. Jesus fed five thousand people and walked on water in one day (John 6) What could stop them? So when their brother became ill, Mary and Martha did not think twice about calling Jesus. Except, He didn’t come. And Lazarus died. “When Mary arrived and saw Jesus, she fell at his feet and said, ‘Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died’” (John 11:32, NLT). How do you keep on believing after a disappointment like that?

You see, as long as we keep God’s glory in mind, each victory and disappointment play their part. “Jesus responded, ‘Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?’” (John 11:40, NLT). When we conquer a hill, God’s glory is seen in the strength we have in Him. And when our victory looks like a disappointment, God’s glory is seen in his resurrection power (v. 25).

At which part of your endurance journey do you find yourself at this moment? Are you at the top of a hill you just conquered? Or do you feel disappointed to see an even greater challenge waiting ahead?

Let us see God’s glory in our victories as well as our disappointments. Let us build our endurance by finding strength in Christ’s glory. “May he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen” (Hebrews 13:21, NLT)