Spiritual Stamina预览

Facing Hardship at the Wall

As we saw yesterday, hitting the wall is that point where we come to the end of ourselves, and it can take on a variety of forms.

Sometimes we hit the wall by experiencing hardship. For Paul, the apostle, circumstances greatly threatened his mission from moving forward. When he was arrested and chained in a Roman prison cell, Paul was isolated from the churches he loved and ministered to. Courageously, he did not crumble or give up in despair, far from it. Instead, we see Paul displaying a heroic level of spiritual stamina.

Is there a situation in your life right now that feels beyond your ability to endure? Work demands, grief, quarantine, and a thousand other circumstances, internal and external, can make us feel weak and isolated.

Paul relied on God for stamina to push through the difficulties he faced. He believed that God was doing something greater in the church, not just despite his suffering but because of it.

Stamina in our own lives can take on a similar shape. What if pushing past the wall was as simple as believing that our difficult situation is just a small part of God’s bigger plan to do something great in the end? Here’s a secret: Jesus’ command to be salt and light is most effective during our most difficult struggles.

When we feel stretched beyond our limits, we have an incredible opportunity to be the light of the world.

What did Jesus mean when he declared us to be salt and light? It’s as though he was saying, When society around you is the darkest, that’s when you, my people, shine the brightest.

Let’s resolve to endure hardship well. In doing so, we will be like salt on the lips of the world, making others thirst for God.

Reflection: What does Paul’s example teach me about being salt and light even when encountering hardship?

Prayer: Lord, if I’m honest, my internal struggles and external hardships often distract me. Please help me to focus more on your kingdom than my problems. May I be a light to the people around me today, that my words and demeanor would brighten situations and make others thirst to know you.