Endurance
Endurance defined here as a noun is the fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation
without giving way. Similarly, you can define it as the capacity of something to last or to withstand wear and tear.
I would think that most of us think of an athlete or sporting event which demands great physical stamina, the
ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort. If we look at the Greek origin of the word endurance, the
translation is hupomone (Phonetic spelling hoop-om-on-ay’). In the New Testament, endurance is the
characteristic of a man who is unswerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the
greatest trials and sufferings.
For those of you who are not athletes, you might wonder how one develops endurance. In a 2021 article
published by Women’s Health Magazine titled 7 Ways to Boost Your Endurance, the writer outlines 7 things we can
do to build endurance physically. I think we can take these 7 things and apply them in order that we can build
endurance spiritually.
- Focus Resistance training on time under Tension
a. Resistance training is the use of dumbbells, kettlebells, your body weight and or resistance
bands. Endurance is built by shifting the focus from pure strength or muscle growth to muscle
endurance. This is done by doing a higher number of reps with less weight. Recognizing more
frequent trials and difficulties, not necessarily bigger trials produce endurance in us. Romans
5:3-4 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces
perseverance, character; and character, hope. - Add Cardio bursts to strength Workouts
a. Cardiovascular endurance works by keeping your heart pumping for longer periods of time but
when coupled with strength workouts, demands that your muscles keep working between sets of
exercise. Great men and women of the Bible remained faithful to God over long periods of time
waiting on the promises of God to be fulfilled. Their faith was built over time not on one great
event. 1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful (He is reliable, trustworthy and ever true to His
promise—He can be depended on), and through Him you were called into fellowship with His
Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. - Incorporate Intervals
a. Frequently, change up the duration of workouts and interval sessions. Progressively increasing
the overall duration of the entire workout builds endurance. Time spent in prayer, worship and
reading the Bible should increase from the time you were saved.
2 Corinthians 3:18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord,
are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord. - Pump up the Jams
a. Find the perfect playlist. Spend time finding praise and worship music that encourages you to
remember God’s faithfulness and promises. Make a playlist on your phone or your home devise.
Play and listen to these daily. Worship focuses our attention to God and away from ourselves.
Psalm 95:6 Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. - Prioritize Core Work
a. A stable, healthy core is a must for development of endurance. This is the foundation of your
body. Matthew 7:24-29 is the parable of the man who build on a solid foundation. The message
to us is when we build on a firm foundation of Christ, we can withstand whatever comes our
way. This in turn produces steadfast faith and endurance in our lives. - Find your Focus
a. Connect your mind and body. Romans 8:5-6 For those who live according to the flesh set their
minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the
Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
Endurance is developed by having your focus on spiritual things.
- Sweat with a Friend
a. Find an accountability partner to not only hold you accountable but to encourage, inspire and
challenge your workouts. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 So encourage each other and build each other
up, just as you are already doing. Endurance is built through The Church, fellow believers
building one another up consistently over time.