“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” Galatians 5:22 (NIV)
Last week we defined an enduring faith: a faith that sustains even when punctured and obstacles are thrown in its way. A faith that does not need a spare and does not require a reevaluation in the midst of the journey of life.
How can we build an enduring faith? We need to RUN!
R- Read Scripture. We cannot claim God’s promises and truths if we do not know what they are. Last week, we read that the Holy Spirit shores up the side walls of our faith. One promises in Romans 8:26-27 assures us the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, with the will of God in mind. His intercession helps get us where we need to be. So, when you don’t know what to pray, the Holy Spirit does.
He also helps each of us grow spiritually. As we grow, He bestows gifts of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22)
By reading Scripture and tucking its truths in our hearts, we are safeguarding our souls, helping ourselves to not sin against God. (Psalm 119:11)
U- Unite my will to His. Sometimes, we encounter a steep mountain or dangerous curve not on our maps; yet we need to keep going and keep going in faith. Sometimes, we may not feel like it. Second Peter 1:5 clarifies faith is a great beginning, and we must continuously supplement that faith with actions that match it. We never know, like Esther, that we may be here “for such a time as this.” When you are climbing that impossibly steep mountain, recall the promise in Romans 8:28. God will somehow, some way, use it for good.
N- Never give up! As much as trials seem to take forever, they truly will not always endure. But your story of that trial will. As your mind replays it, people recount it, and one day God recalls it in heaven, how do you want your role remembered? Did you prayerfully do everything God called you to? Were you obedient even when you didn’t feel like it? Galatians 6:9 says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” NIV, emphasis mine.
So, “Let us RUN with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1b, growing in faith, and drawing closer to God. If you are like me, you might need some help. Will you join me in asking God for help with just that?
Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for sustaining me through all the roads I must travel. I thank You that I am never alone. Thank You for always providing what it is that I need, and when it is that I need it. May I prove, by Your grace, to be faithful, so that one day, I can hear You say, “Well done.” Amen