Footprints in the sands of time were never made by sitting down. Holding on to hope in the midst of adversity is never easy; but if our life’s work is to leave a positive impact for those who follow, it will be the result of our having chosen to hold a different course than that of the world.
The Christian life is like a race in that it requires endurance and a firmly-set goal of completing the course (Heb. 12:1-2). Our race is not so much a sprint as a marathon. Where do we go to find the endurance we need?
Such endurance is found in the strength of the Lord, not in that which is derived from some other source. It is God who gives perseverance and encouragement (Rm. 15:5). God may use others as sources of encouragement; but God, Himself, is the primary source of all spiritual strength.
Though we might prefer a less painful way to develop endurance, God uses suffering to provide strength. There are no short-cuts. Every successful long-distance runner knows the value of training. Without training we will possess insufficient endurance to complete the race.
When we trust in God for strength, trials and tribulations can help us develop greater endurance. It is this strong and tested character that will see us through to the end. The glorious hope of heaven inspires us to meet each obstacle in faith and, with Jesus as our focal point, we hold to the course set before us and “receive what was promised” (Heb. 10:36). One day, looking back, we may discover two sets of footprints in the sand and realize that, in spite of the hardships along the way, we were never really alone. Jesus had been with us every step of the way.
–Glen Elliott–