Long And Winding Road

And many will turn away from me and betray and hate each other.  And many false prophets will appear and will deceive many people.  Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold.  But the one who endures to the end will be saved.  And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.  Matthew 24:10-13 

One of the greatest challenges I encounter is not necessarily confronting a single, clear battle, but persisting through ongoing, daily struggles that seem to stretch on without resolution.  For over a year, I have been walking through a few of these trials—not struggles with sin, but efforts to continue faithfully in what God has set before me.  Each day begins with a prayer for enough strength to endure, and by nightfall, I find I have made it through, yet the circumstances remain unchanged.  The hope for change and for a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel becomes the next prayer.  It is like driving for miles in the mountains of never-ending winding road.  Lots of turns and at times uncertainty await each mile. 

During challenging periods, I recall a significant lesson imparted by my mother in my youth. Her guidance continues to influence my approach to perseverance and faith, particularly when the process appears unending and results remain uncertain. She emphasized that success is not always reflected by a tangible victory, nor is failure solely indicated by a loss; often, true success lies in the ability to endure until the conclusion.  King Solomon once said, “I have observed something else under the sun.  The fastest runner doesn’t always win the race, and the strongest warrior does not always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy.  And those who are educated don’t always lead successful lives.  It is all decided by chance, by being in the right place at the right time.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11) This verse suggests that despite one's efforts, success is not always assured.  It implies that while doing one's best is important, outcomes may vary, and contentment should come from fulfilling responsibilities without specific expectations beyond what is considered pleasing to a higher authority. 

Endurance is an important principle that emphasizes remaining steadfast in one's faith in God under all circumstances.  The occurrence of trials often prompts questions regarding their purpose.  Rather than questioning why challenges arise, it is more constructive to consider what lessons God intended through such experiences.   In instances of prolonged adversity, the focus may shift from exhaustion to cultivating perseverance and maintaining faith. The teachings of Jesus referenced in today's passage offer encouragement, addressing not only the world’s end but also the reality of betrayal, deceit, and increasing prevalence of sin.  Nevertheless, He reminds us that those who remain faithful are assured of salvation. This message echoes Paul's words to Timothy: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful... And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).  Such reflections are intended to inspire persistence throughout the journey of faith, with each completed challenge enhancing endurance.  Extended periods of trial serve as reminders to rely on God for strength and resilience. Ultimately, the goal is not merely personal improvement, but emerging from hardship fortified by faith, irrespective of the outcome. 

Our journey of faith is filled with teachings of God of which dedication and perseverance are but two of them.  However, they are valuable lessons that remind us that as long as we trust in Him, we will always make it through better, stronger, wiser, and able to endure more than we could remember.  So, while the words of Ecclesiastes may cause us to question if our efforts are worth it, Jesus tells us unequivocally yes and stay the course.  Let us keep enduring until we have finished the race.  How can we strengthen our trust in God to persevere through challenges?  What are practical ways to remind ourselves to stay the course and keep the faith?  My prayer is that we remain faithful in spite of the long and winding road.  Amen.