Endurance. Merriam-Webster says it’s the ability to withstand hardship or adversity, especially in sustaining a prolonged stressful effort. Alistair Begg says it’s a key indicator of spiritual fitness. The Bible even tells us those who endure temptation are blessed.
In general, I think of endurance as a quality to be admired and aimed for. It signifies strength, patience, and authentic faith. It’s what happens when we live out our hopes through the most trying times life throws at us.
While I would enjoy being known for my spiritual endurance, I can’t say I consciously seek out opportunities to flex that muscle. Who really wants to suffer? Who wants to walk through discomfort, uncertainty and pain?
I want the abundance of God’s promises, but I want them right now, delivered to my doorstep, with a pretty bow on top.
I like to view myself as a fearless, self-sufficient soul warrior who knows better than to crumble at the sight of transition and uncertainty, but the truth is I’m weak. I can’t get from point A to point B on my own, not peacefully at least.
And I know this. I’ve been humbled over and over again, and yet I continue to exert my own will when I know it only clashes with God’s.
To explain what the heck I’m talking about, I should probably give you an update of what’s been happening in my life lately:
To put it plainly, I’m deep in the weeds of preparing for the next season of my life. A season of amazing opportunity and dreams come true. I’ve enthusiastically set my sights on what’s ahead, but still I find myself struggling with this present moment.
My day to day is not the grandiose adventure it once was when I only had school three days a week and could travel to see far-away friends on any given weekend. Even though I’m in the midst of preparing for the greatest adventure God has brought me to yet, I set my eyes on all that I have to do, or rather how much money I need to raise, in the next few months instead of all that He has done and is doing right now. The adventure has already started and I’ve been unwilling to participate with joy and strength.
I’m not proud of my response to His call for me to endure this time of preparation and fundraising. I’ve been breaking down like a 5-year-old who missed nap time. I hate to admit it because I know how much these “problems” aren’t problems at all. My situation is one of luxury compared to those I’ll be living among in less than eight months. Yet this is how I feel, and I need to honor that.
It still amazes me to realize how much growing I have to do. God transformed me so drastically that I became complacent with the current version of myself. I really thought He had finished chipping away and sculpting me into the person He intends me to be. It’s as if I’m all good, and I’m just going to head off to 11 countries to tell other people how they can be all good, too. Jesus is not a Band-Aid solution. This is a lifetime process that will require endurance through the not-so-grandiose adventures He calls me to.
That’s okay. Actually, It’s so much more than okay.
Praise God I don’t have to ever have to endure a trial alone again.
It’s doubtful this will be my last hill to climb as I venture onward through the World Race. Maybe next time I’ll remember how God carried me over with mercy and grace despite my internal temper tantrums.
After all, He is in control and I want His will over mine. There’s no reason to fear the work that lies ahead because the outcome is beyond my control. I’m giving this all to Him and trusting in his provision.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and 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.”
– Hebrews 12:1-2
With a peaceful and humble heart, I want to ask you to prayerfully consider being part of the work that God has called me to do. I believe I will meet every financial deadline if He wills for me to serve on the World Race, but I can’t do it without your support.
Together, we’ve managed to raise almost 15% of my total goal for the World Race. This is amazing! I would love to reach 25% by Valentine’s Day. If I could get 10 people to donate $176.15, or 20 people to donate $88.08, I would meet my goal.
With that being said, I understand that money may be tight. I want you to know that any amount you are able to contribute plays a valued and important role in helping me serve with this ministry. Thank you for the continued prayers and encouragement since the beginning of this journey. I appreciate the community of people around me more than I can articulate. Thank you for being in my life!
Please continue to share my blog and pray for my teammates and I as we push on through fundraising and preparation for the Race.
Much love and many blessings,
McKenzie
