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I Timothy 4:7, 8; [Proverbs 3:8]; Hebrews 12:1; Matthew 16:21; Hebrews 12:2, 3; I Corinthians 9:19-27; II Corinthians 11:23-28; Acts 20:24; 26:13-19; II Timothy 4:1-8; [Psalm 16:8]; Hebrews 6:10-19; I Peter 3:15-18; I Corinthians 15:57, 58

We all know the basic principles of physical exercise, as well as our bodies’ needs for clean water and good diet. Physical exercise is good. God compares physical exercise with spiritual exercise in I Timothy by saying "bodily exercise profits little but godliness is profitable unto all things." Godliness is the Greek word eusebia, which refers to our relationship with God. The Word of God is health to our flesh and marrow to our bones. This verse tells us that godliness not only profits us now but also in the life to come.

Someone once said, "Fatigue makes cowards of us all." Cowardice means giving up, retreating, taking the easiest road. There is a weariness in mind that is a result of the spiritual fight day after day, month after month, year after year. Even the best of men and women with the best intentions have worn down mentally and "thrown in the towel."

For us, victory requires commitment and patience — the endurance to stick to it. Once we make up our minds that something is God’s will, it takes resolve to faithfully carry out the task. That resolve must be renewed day by day. We are to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, as our example. We cannot conquer the fatigue or weariness of life by ourselves. Without the Word and the refreshing of the spirit, we will get tired and give up. It does not happen immediately but is a consistent erosion. How do we keep going? Again, we look to Jesus. It says in Hebrews for the joy that was set before him, he endured the cross. There was no joy in dying on the cross, but he knew there was a greater victory to come.

We must not run uncertainly as it speaks of in I Corinthians. We have a goal in mind — the rewards to come at Christ’s return. The scriptures speak of many things the Apostle Paul had to endure for Christ’s sake. God gave him a heavenly vision of a new life to come to encourage him. He was not encouraged or complimented by people. He kept the hope in mind, knowing that God would reward him for his faithfulness in this life.

In the midst of all the turmoil and strife of life, our hope must be the anchor to keep us from becoming fatalities. Paul spoke of the crown he would receive for loving the appearing of Christ. Is the Lord ever before our faces and have we sanctified him in our hearts?

Hope gives us the endurance to keep from fainting in our minds. God’s Word promises our labors are not in vain or empty. Fatigue may make cowards of us all, but love and hope give us faith— an abiding endurance to finish our course. By His Word and spirit, we may run to victory!


#267 Run The Race With Patience -- April 14, 2002 ©2002 / Steven A. Michels 79:21 minutes
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"Run The Race With Patience" -- Rev. Steve Michels I Timothy 4:7, 8; [Proverbs 3:8]; Hebrews 12:1; Matthew 16:21; Hebrews 12:2, 3; I Corinthians 9:19-27; II Corinthians 11:23-28; Acts 20:24; 26:13-19; II Timothy 4:1-8; [Psalm 16:8]; Hebrews 6:10-19; I Peter 3:15-18; I Corinthians 15:57, 58 We all know the basic principles of physical exercise, as well as our bodies’ needs for clean water and good diet. Physical exercise is good. God compares physical exercise with spiritual exercise in I Timothy by saying "bodily exercise profits little but godliness is profitable unto all things." Godliness is the Greek word eusebia, which refers to our relationship with God. The Word of God is health to our flesh and marrow to our bones. This verse tells us that godliness not only profits us now but also in the life to come. Someone once said, "Fatigue makes cowards of us all." Cowardice means giving up, retreating, taking the easiest road. There is a weariness in mind that is a result of the spiritual fight day after day, month after month, year after year. Even the best of men and women with the best intentions have worn down mentally and "thrown in the towel." For us, victory requires commitment and patience — the endurance to stick to it. Once we make up our minds that something is God’s will, it takes resolve to faithfully carry out the task. That resolve must be renewed day by day. We are to look to Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, as our example. We cannot conquer the fatigue or weariness of life by ourselves. Without the Word and the refreshing of the spirit, we will get tired and give up. It does not happen immediately but is a consistent erosion. How do we keep going? Again, we look to Jesus. It says in Hebrews for the joy that was set before him, he endured the cross. There was no joy in dying on the cross, but he knew there was a greater victory to come. We must not run uncertainly as it speaks of in I Corinthians. We have a goal in mind — the rewards to come at Christ’s return. The scriptures speak of many things the Apostle Paul had to endure for Christ’s sake. God gave him a heavenly vision of a new life to come to encourage him. He was not encouraged or complimented by people. He kept the hope in mind, knowing that God would reward him for his faithfulness in this life. In the midst of all the turmoil and strife of life, our hope must be the anchor to keep us from becoming fatalities. Paul spoke of the crown he would receive for loving the appearing of Christ. Is the Lord ever before our faces and have we sanctified him in our hearts? Hope gives us the endurance to keep from fainting in our minds. God’s Word promises our labors are not in vain or empty. Fatigue may make cowards of us all, but love and hope give us faith— an abiding endurance to finish our course. By His Word and spirit, we may run to victory!