Looking To Eternity — What Heaven Notices: Endurance

President Theodore Roosevelt gave his "Man In The Arena" speech in Paris on April 23rd, 1910. The beginning of the speech is as follows: "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better." This famed speech extols endurance. If you are unfamiliar with it, I encourage you to read the full speech.

It is quite true that many only spectate. Often, we give attention to their voices. They point out our shortcomings, our weaknesses, and where the opponent is better suited for victory. Oh, how I am thankful for a God who is unlike these. I am thankful for a God who, while reminding me of my weakness (Rom 3:23), persists in telling me of my capability to overcome (1 Jn 5:4). I am thankful for a God who, while warning me of the power and presence of my enemy (1 Pet 5:8), does not consider me out of the fight (Jn 16:33). I am thankful for a God who encourages (Is 41:10), celebrates (Zeph 3:17), and remembers us (Heb 6:10). I am thankful for a God who expects one thing of me, not perfection, but endurance.

Anyone can start strong. But that is not what God cares about. Few finish strong; that is what heaven sees and rewards: "...the one who endures to the end will be saved" (Matt 10:22). Heaven also expects this: "Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able" (Lk 13:24).

Heaven will have many a saint who stumbled, could have done better, and struggled with their flesh. Heaven will also have many a saint who resolved to be immovable (1 Cor 15:58), strong (1 Cor 16:13), and determined (Heb 13:5-6).

I will endeavor to be constant in my devotion to God. I will choose Him as master (Matt 6:24), flee sin (1 Thess 5:22), put my flesh to death (Gal 5:24), and live with Him as my guide (Gal 2:20). But my confidence will not be in myself. My confidence will be in God (2 Cor 3:4). My confidence will be in the God who acknowledges what so many write off: endurance.

So, let us press on with confidence in this truth: “But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” (2 Tim 2:19) May our endurance be fueled by His unwavering promise.