Endurance Over Perfection in Trusting God Through Life’s Challenges

How faith, patience, and endurance help us navigate life’s imperfections. We are going to start today's Fist Bump with a question:

How many of you are perfect, or, shall we say, "squeaky clean?"

You never doubt your faith and never want to throw in the towel and quit in tough situations. Do you look for the easy way out instead of doing the hard work to address an issue or life situation?  

Or how about this: You never gossip or say something you wish you could take back. You never say the wrong thing by responding without thinking. You put your needs and wants in front of everyone else. You never make a mistake or have a "moral hangover."

If your answer is no to these questions and you are "perfect," our hats are off to you. However, we know we are far from perfect. We struggle every day with the temptations of sin in our lives. 

How do you "ENDURE" in life's journey, knowing we are FAR from perfect? How do you not get frustrated and throw all this talk of patience and trusting God out the window? You want to take control, do it your way, and not have to report to anyone. You do not want to put the hard work in you know in your heart is needed. This week, we have been grappling with these questions as we delved into the topics of endurance and patience in our devotion time.  

"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through ENDURANCE taught in the scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have HOPE" Romans 15:4

Remember, God knows us down to the individual hairs on our heads. He knows we are far from perfect. However, He also wants us to rely more on him when we want to throw in the towel or take the easy way out. He will never leave us hanging. 

"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful and will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide you a way out so you can endure it" 1 Corinthians 10:13

Where do you find the strength to finish the race? 

"Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished the race we are in.  Study how he did it. Because He never lost sight of where he was headed" Hebrews 12: 2 (The Message)

It's time to look in the mirror, gents.  How about you?  Are you facing a tough business situation that would be easy to quit? Are you facing relationship or marriage issues that will require some hard work to repair? 

God knows this. Do not give up on HIM. He wants to support you.  He is foundational to the hard work you need to do. Trust HIM!  As hard as we try, we can not do it alone or without HIM.

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand" Isaiah 41:10

Remember, you are not alone and do not need to do all the hard work required by yourself.   This is where having a Christian friend to walk with you through the times you need encouragement and support is so beneficial—someone who will speak the truth to you and encourage you to endure and do the hard work required.  Yes, even help you do the hard work. 

This is one of the reasons why we started Seven24. Hopefully, it will provide an outlet for guys who may not have anyone to talk to or lean on when things get tough. To be a source of encouragement when you think you have hit the wall.   Remember,

"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor" Ecclesiastes 4:9

As you head into this week, admit it. I'm sorry to say you are not perfect. That is OK; neither are any of us. If you think you are at the end of your rope, STOP, get on your knees and look to God, who promises to never give up on us.   

Also, know that you have other guys who are willing to walk alongside you. Do not hesitate to turn to them. Feel free to reach out to us if you need somewhere to turn.

As we go into this week, no matter what situation we face, may we finish the race strong by trusting God to give us the strength we need to address the challenges that come our way.  In addition, may we recognize that none of us are perfect and allow God to come into our lives to give us what we need when we need it.

His love is UNCONDITIONAL, gents. His love offers HOPE, no matter what the situation. It's pretty amazing when you take time to think about it.