For years I ran/jogged, and after a long break decided to train for the America’s Best half marathon in San Diego. I’d run 10k’s (6+miles) in the past so I knew I needed to train harder to run thirteen plus miles with many hills. I was in my fifties when I set this goal, but I knew if I ran enough miles, and trained hard enough I could at least complete the race and hopefully not come in last. I knew strength, and endurance were needed which required preparation and training. Also patience to go out and run a 12 mile route every Saturday morning plus miles during the week by myself (just me and the Lord and music).
Revelation 14 talks about a different kind of patient endurance. John says in Revelation 14:12 (NIV), “This calls for patient endurance on the part of the people of God who keep his commands and remain faithful to Jesus.” These saints will apparently be saved during the tribulation. The world will be governed by the beast (or antichrist) who will harshly persecute anyone who believes in Jesus (Rev. 13) even to the point of their death.
From the beginning, our Creator has commanded his children to believe in Him. He captured the attention of people in many different ways and most importantly he spoke through Jesus Christ, His Son. In the last days of the tribulation people will still be commanded to believe in Jesus. Some will instead bow to the deceptive ways of the beast and his demand to wear his “mark” which is the sign of antichrist worship. Sp maybe it’s logical to assume everyone not wearing “the mark” will stand out in the crowd and be subject to torment and persecution because they worship Jesus.
What does this mean for us right now? Patient endurance requires training and commitment. A commitment to follow God’s commandments, a commitment to study His word, a commitment to pray, and faith that He will always be with us to help no matter what trial or tribulation comes our way. We have to be prepared for the enemy’s attacks.
My training and prep for that half marathon worked. I finished the race and wasn’t last, but I pray we all always have the same commitment to endure the race in this life God created us for as believers.
Take a minute to meditate on this verse in Hebrews 12 . . . let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Deb Hill
EFCC Member