Perseverance, Purpose in Our Trials

Happy Friday!

Last week, we discussed perseverance and what it means. This week, we’re going to dive into Scripture to see why we don’t give up, the purpose of our trials, and why we should be encouraged.

Let’s look at 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 where Paul is comparing our life to a race. He challenges us to run the race as one who wants to win. He says, “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.” We should be living our life with the drive of one who is seeking to win the prize.

But what prize is Paul referencing here? Not an earthly one, I can tell you. Scripture refers to heavenly crowns and prizes that we will one day receive to then lay at the feet of Jesus (Revelations 4:10-11). I don’t have the space to dive into the crowns but Paul speaks of them here in Corinthians, and in 1 Timothy 4:8. Then Peter, in 1 Peter 1:4, and here are some other places: James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; 1 Thessalonians 2:19; Revelation 3:11; Revelations 2:10; Matthew 5:12; 1 Corinthians 3:14; and Revelation 22:12.

Here in Corinthians, Paul’s emphasis is this:

-run to get the prize

-run straight to the goal

-discipline your body by training it

When Paul references the body, I believe his focus is more on the spiritual application of training so as not to fall into sin. As we see him say later in I Timothy 4:8, “For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” Not to say that disciplining our body through exercise is not important. It absolutely is, but training in godliness has worth in both this life and in eternity so we must not forget to prioritize our spiritual training.

How are you running your race? With perseverance? Don’t forget that you are never alone in your race. It is comforting to know that the trench you are now in has been occupied by someone before you or if you’ll look around, someone is in there with you. We are never alone and Jesus promises to always be with us (Matt. 28:20).