Endurance

December 2, 2019

DAILY READINGS

Revelation 14:12-20
Psalm 139:13-18
This weekend’s scripture: Matthew 3:1-12

FIELD NOTES

One thing I have never been good at is the mile run.  Or any run if we are being honest.  Growing up, playing various sports, I could manage short bursts, but anything more than 400 yards at a time would kill me.  Needless to say, endurance is not my strong suit.  
 
This carries over to all walks of life for me.  In school I would start every semester strong, doing my best to keep up with reading and homework, and then as fatigue and the business of life caught up with me, my drive for school would being to falter.  
 
I am not proud of my lack of endurance.  I want to do better.  I want to pray every day without needing to remind myself, or maintain a daily quiet time without giving up after a month (or let’s be honest, sometimes after just a few days).  
 
Endurance is crucial to our lives in Christ.  The world doesn’t care about our faith, and in some ways actively fights against it. And yet we must endure to keep Christ’s commands.  Be it ever so in your life and mine.  Amen.

Questions for the Field

1. What goals do you set out for yourself, only to fall short?
2. What spiritual goals can you set for yourself in the coming months as you begin to practice spiritual endurance?

Family Field Talk

1. Why is it hard to be disciplined?  What does discipline even mean?

Prayer Guide

Lord, help us live the way you have called us to live.  May we cease making excuses, and follow close to your path laid before us.  May we daily renew our faith and strength in you. Amen.