Bible Teaching
about Endurance

Ever feel like quitting? Just giving up because things are too hard, overwhelming, and painful? The Bible has a very clear answer to that defeated feeling: don’t! That’s right – don’t quit when things get tough in your life. 

If today you find yourself plunged into a problem you think is impossible to dig your way out of, then this article is just for you. You can win. You can succeed. But, you may have to endure the suffering and discomfort needed to arrive at victory. Success does not come easy. 

Let’s take the example of Jesus. It is said of Him, “who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame...” (Hebrews 12:2). The word, “endure,” means to abide under or to bear up courageously under suffering. The passage refers to Christ’s crucifixion, which took away the penalty of sin for all those who place their faith in Him. However, the principle applies to us, too, as we live out our lives. 

Did you know that Jesus actually wanted to quit on the way to the cross (Luke 22:42)? But, He kept going because of the reward, success, victory, and joy that were His from accomplishing His goal. To Him, the reward was worth the cost. Winning, not losing, consumed His mind.

Many times people give up just short of achieving their goals and dreams. If they had endured just a little longer, then victory and triumph would have been theirs. 

Your dream might be getting through school, but study is so hard. Don’t quit. Your goal might be finding a good job, but all you face is rejection. Don’t quit. Your desire may be to repair a broken relationship, but you encounter hostility and distain. Don’t give up (if the relationship is right for you). Maybe it is a bad habit you need to replace. Don’t give up. Maybe your burden is a wayward son or daughter. Don’t give up on them. 

Have dreams and goals for yourself. Work hard to achieve them, but realize there will be difficulties and discouragements on the road to your success. 

You and I can follow the famous words of Sir Winston Churchill that he uttered in a speech to students of Harrow School in England on October 29, 1941, “Never give in — never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense. Never yield to force; never yield to the apparently overwhelming might of the enemy. 

Churchill had the same determination as did Jesus. So can you and I. Remember, don’t quit.

Dr. Newman is married to Esmie, a Filipina, and teaches at Faith Evangelical Seminary, Tacoma. Their website, www.Bible-teaching-about.com, includes an online Bible academy, free Bible studies, and affordable ebooks. You can reach them at drwillisnewman@gmail.com. Scripture from the New American Standard Bible, © the Lockman Foundation, 1960-73, used by permission.