Perseverance and Support in Spiritual & Personal Challenges

Did you run in or make it down to watch the Amway River Bank run on Saturday? It's such a fun event—we have both run several times. Thousands of runners of all sizes and shapes take to the streets of Grand Rapids to run a 25K. No small feat, by the way. Congrats to all of you who ran and finished!

As we thought about the River Bank run, it set the theme for today's Fist Bump.

Are there times when you feel exhausted by a situation or relationship and want to stop? Are there times when you know you should have put more preparation or practice in and are now paying the price? Are there times when you must dig deep to finish strong, and some encouragement helps you cross the finish line?

All those questions resonated with us; we suspect they also do for you. So, what can we learn and put into practice? Perseverance certainly comes to mind—just driving through and sticking with it, doing the hard work needed to finish the task.

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him” James 1:12.

When facing tough situations that push us to dig deep, we have found that putting our trust in God and asking Him for extra strength helps. We also spend more time in focused prayer. We have also found that having someone to support and encourage us makes a big difference. 

“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” Proverbs 27:17

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity” Proverbs 17:17

On Saturday, we heard a runner say that if her friends had not encouraged her, she might not have had the stamina to finish the race. Friends and their encouragement had a big impact. So can YOU with those you love and care about.  

When running the races of life and digging deep, having another person running with you to push you when you need it and encourage you can make a huge difference in how you finish the task.   In return, there are times when you can do that for someone else.   It is called meaningful and trusting relationships, gents.   God created us for these types of relationships.   Look for them!! Be alert for them. God will put them in your path.

“Seek the Lord and HIS strength; seek his presence continually” 1 Chronicles 16:11

Another lesson on perseverance is to stay in constant communication with God. When we often want to quit, asking God for strength to take another step gives us the energy to keep going. God makes it clear that he created us to finish the race strong. 

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

“Do you not know that all the runners run in a race, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize” 1 Corinthians 9:24

As we head into a new week, let's keep our focus on perseverance and support and encourage those we are in a relationship with. Let's dig deep when needed and let God carry us as we push forward. Let's get the prize that God promises us! The prize is life with Him for eternity!! There is no other prize like it in the world!

We look forward to our next event on June 4th. It will be a great opportunity to connect and socialize with other guys of Seven24 in a relaxed environment. Sign up here: Summer Kick Off Deck Party | Seven24 (seven-24.org)

Who knows, you might meet someone you can encourage or receive some encouragement from!