A few weeks ago my family showed our support for Team USA in Tokyo by cheering on our athletes remotely, as we watched live and previously recorded competitions. While all of the competitions are exciting, we are particularly intrigued by women’s gymnastics and swimming.
Katie Ledecky has fascinated us for years. Her speed, endurance, and success truly seem superhuman. As she specializes in long-distance events, her repeated success in the pool arguably inserts her into the conversation as one of the greatest of all time. Beyond swimming, her endurance can inspire and challenge us to evaluate spiritual endurance.
Hebrews 10:32-39 is written to encourage believers to recall how and when their faith journey began and then walk with endurance for the sake of the Gospel. Given that Jesus will return, we must endure persecution, hardship, and even rejection.
It may be difficult to relate to the Hebrew converts that were being challenged to revert back to their old rituals of religion. The constant ridicule and rejection were harsh. Some today may relate if they came to faith as an adult or even walked away from a cult background. The weight and consequences of these faith commitments can have a negative impact on earthly relationships, however, it is worth it.
The opportunity exists for the church family to rally around and behind those in our fellowship that are battling conflict, rejection, and hardship. Together we spur one another on to love and good deeds, and truly live out Gospel fellowship. Often we may look with dismay or sympathy, but we are challenged to participate in this fellowship. When one hurts, we all hurt! When one rejoices, we all rejoice. This family dynamic is one we must rally to and one that motivates us to keep grinding.