Endurance with endorphins ∙∙
Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. – Hebrews 10:36
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
16 That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.
17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever!
18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; instead, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.
What is Endurance?
Endurance refers to the ability to sustain effort, persevere, and maintain activity over an extended period of time. In the physical sense, it encompasses the capacity to resist, withstand, and recover from fatigue, trauma, or wounds. Physical endurance can be enhanced through targeted exercises, such as strength training, which:
- Strengthens the heart
- Develops fatigue-resistant muscles
- Improves balance and coordination
- Stimulates muscle growth
By increasing repetitions and speed during workouts, individuals can boost their stamina and perseverance.
The Benefits of Increased Endurance
Improved endurance not only enhances physical performance but also improves mental and emotional well-being. The release of endorphins during physical activity helps to:
- Reduce anxiety, depression, and stress
- Foster peace and confidence
- Improve mood and overall outlook
Beyond the Physical: Spiritual and Emotional Endurance
Endurance is not limited to the physical; it encompasses spiritual and emotional aspects as well. Spiritual endurance, often referred to as “grit” in psychology, is the ability to face challenges with a resilient and positive attitude. When combined with passion and enthusiasm, grit turns obstacles into chances for growth.
As children of the King, we are encouraged to develop spiritual grit, which helps us face adversity with faith and perseverance.
The Paradox of Endurance
Interestingly, physical endurance and strength tend to decline naturally with age. In fact, everything that makes us human tends to wear down and wear out with age. There is a single exception – the human spirit. This paradox highlights the unique nature of spiritual endurance:
- Physical Decline: Over time, our bodies wear down and lose strength.
- Spiritual Growth: Life’s challenges, while weakening the body, can strengthen the spirit.
William Barclay beautifully captures this idea: “All through life, inevitably, our physical strength fades away; but all through life, it ought to happen that our souls keep growing. The sufferings which leave us with weakened bodies may be the very things which strengthen our inner selves . . .. From the physical point of view, life may be a slow but inevitable slipping down the slope that leads to death. But, from the spiritual point of view, life is climbing up the hill that leads to the presence of God.”
This concept is echoed in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, where Paul reminds us: “That is the reason why we do not grow weary. But if indeed our outward frame is wasting away, our inward self is renewed day by day . . .. so long as we do not think of the things which are seen, but of the things which are unseen, for the things which are seen are passing, but the things which are unseen are eternal.”
A Touch of Humor
Even as we age, some aspects of life remain constant. Humor reminds us to embrace the lighter side of life. For example, Jim Fiebig writes, “Age does not diminish the extreme disappointment of having a scoop of ice cream fall from the cone,” While Satchel Paige quips, “Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
REFLECT & PRAY
The worst of what we experience is overshadowed by the best of what lies ahead. William Barclay observes, “In all the gospel story, Jesus never foretold his death without foretelling his resurrection.”
Father, increase my endurance so that I may face life’s challenges as an overcomer. Help me to focus on the unseen, eternal reality that brings hope and strength.
INSIGHT
The Eternal vs. The Temporary
The material world, with all its visible and tangible elements, is fleeting. It will one day cease to exist. In contrast, the immaterial world, the unseen, eternal things of heaven, lasts forever. Paul urges us to shift our focus from the temporary to the eternal, 2 Corinthians 4:18 “So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.”
This involves not physical sight, but spiritual perception. It’s about seeing with the eyes of our hearts and minds, focusing on what truly matters.
The Meaning of “Fixing Our Eyes”
The Greek word skopeo, translated as “fix” or “look,” carries a deeper meaning than the English word suggests. It implies “paying careful attention, watching intently, and contemplating.” The use of the English word look “is a rather weak translation of the verb used here. It carries the idea of ‘focus one’s attention on’ or ‘keep one’s eye on’” (UBS). But how can we focus and fix our eyes on something invisible? The answer is that we cannot!
That is the point. The essence here is not about seeing with our physical eyes but instead perceiving with our minds and spiritual vision. As Abernathy explains, this means: ‘‘to let one’s mind dwell on,” “to keep one’s mind on,” “to keep thinking about,” and “to focus one’s attention on.”
The NLT translation captures this well: “We fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen.” This focus is not on what can be seen with the naked eye but on what is eternal and unseen. Paul encourages us to perceive with our spirits and the eyes of our hearts, urging us to shift our attention from the temporary to the everlasting.
A Paradigm Shift: Seeing with Spiritual Eyes
Paul’s perspective is clear: instead of focusing on temporary, earthly matters, we should turn our attention to eternal truths. Take a moment to absorb what Paul is saying. We are to “see” with our spirits what cannot be seen physically. This calls for a paradigm shift, a change in how we view life.
- The Horizontal View: Life as a slow, inevitable journey away from God, focused on visible, material things.
- The Vertical View: Life as a journey toward God, focused on the unseen, eternal realities.
Paul exemplifies this vertical focus, even in the midst of hardships and afflictions. He encourages us to look beyond the present and toward the future through the lens of faith.
Fixing our Eyes on He Who is Invisible
Paul had it figured out. He shows us the way to find peace in the midst of difficult times. As the author of Hebrews puts it, Hebrews 12:1 “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”
Paul wasn’t alone in this perspective. Moses, too, demonstrated spiritual endurance,
Hebrews 11:27, “Moses kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible.”
Spiritual endurance, similar to physical endurance, develops over time through training. This growth requires a focused commitment to viewing life through the lens of faith.
As Snoopy from Peanuts humorously reminds us: “You can’t hurry love or pizza. Especially pizza.”
Finding Peace in Eternal Realities
Paul’s approach provides a pathway to find peace during life’s challenges. By focusing on the unseen and eternal, we can rise above our present troubles. When we view life through this perspective, it becomes a journey toward God rather than away from Him.
And Charlie Brown offers this wisdom: “Learn from yesterday, live for today, look to tomorrow, rest this afternoon.”
The unseen realities of heaven are not just abstract concepts; they are the foundation of our hope and endurance. By focusing on these eternal realities, we can face life’s challenges with faith, peace, and a clear sense of purpose.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯11-8-3
© Dr. H 2025
Dr H Reflections 