What really is endurance? When the Bible says in Hebrews 12:2 that Jesus endured the cross, what exactly does it mean? Even in the unpleasantness of the situation, He tolerated it just for you and I. In this article, I’ll share my redefining endurance moment.
Endurance: the ability or strength to continue or last, especially despite fatigue, stress, or other adverse conditions (Dictionary.com)
When I wrote the article about what can you do about the situation in Ukraine, I was yet to see what was coming. The next three months would bring about a redefining to my endurance threshold.
In the heat of the situation, I offered to accommodate an acquaintance for a few days. Unknown to me, she’ll live with me for the next 3 months.
When I understood that she wouldn’t be leaving within the few days span, I almost screamed. Not sure you know this feeling but it’s like planning an event and the hall you want to use doesn’t know you are using it. That’s exactly how I felt; unprepared.
Endurance: How and Why?
For the purpose of this article, I’ll name her R.
My nature is one of limited endurance that flights when things don’t go as planned. Now pair my unpreparedness with limited endurance, you get an almost frustrated host.
On many days, I can confirm to you that my desire was to ask her to leave. However, recalling that she didn’t choose this situation helped greatly. So what did I do?
Complaining felt so much better than doing anything about it. Within this period, I soon realised that like many people, I’d rather play victim than confront the situation.
Not too long afterwards, I made the discovery of enjoyment not endurance. In place of behaving like I had no control over the situation, I’d choose to act on what is within my control.
The Redefining part
With this discovery in hand, a change erupted. No more flight mentality; if it’s not working, I need to speak about it. As much as I’d like for her to read my mind, it’s not possible.
The tone, words and expressions matter. While R stayed with me, there’s this rule she established: “Even if you’re right, as long as what you said hurt or offended the other person, you need to say sorry.”
One incident that comes to mind is when she didn’t clean a few crumbs off the counter top. Due to how particular I am about my counter top, I was angry. Only when I had calmed down, did I broach the subject.
Previously, digging up past incidents and scolding were my approach. However, understanding that I also have my flaws helped me resolve the situation effectively.
It’s possible that when you think endurance, you associate it to this terrible thing you can’t wait to be done with. Endurance is not all bad because you choose your outlook.
Runners choose to enjoy the race, even when they train for endurance. Who says you can’t enjoy in that endurance phase?
After redefining endurance for me, God heard my prayers for growth and brought it through this experience. R and I are better acquainted and have rubbed off on each other. Thank God for the Holy Spirit’s leading in all of this.
Trust God, He knows where you need to be and how to get there. For my girl R, Thank you for redefining endurance for me.
Read the previous article: Pondering on the book of Romans 2
