Run
With Endurance
by Lauri Krentz
This is the season we focus on giving thanks. In Thessalonians Paul say, “in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (I Thessalonians 5:18) Numerous things come to mind as I reflect on what I have to be thankful for. I have a wonderful family in Arkansas, who love and support me in every way. I have been blessed with friends who are safe and supportive, and such an encouragement to me. I am amazed at how many quality people are a part of my life. I am thankful for this ministry. As we minister at Buffalo Ridge, we in turn are encouraged and ministered to. Each person that passes through blesses me in their own unique way. It is truly a privilege to meet and spend time with so many different brothers and sisters in Christ. It brings a true sense of the reality of God’s family.
What I am most thankful for is that I have a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. The reality of His presence in my life, IS my life. I don’t know how people manage to survive in this world without His love, strength, joy, and hope. Sometimes incredibly painful things happen in our lives that are beyond our understanding. For me personally, the last two years have been full of difficulties that seem to never end. I am thankful that I have a God whom I can utterly trust to see me through. He will never allow me to go through anything that I cannot handle. He can use each circumstance to shape me more into His likeness as I respond in a way that is pleasing to Him. “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28) I truly believe that. Although there are moments when I falter and stumble in trusting Him, ultimately I do trust Him! I am thankful that in His wisdom, the Lord chose not to allow us to see the future. Instead He gives us strength for the day. Day to day faithfulness causes us to become, “rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith.” (Colossians 2:7)
At different times in our lives, certain passages of Scripture have significant personal meaning. During the last couple of years Hebrews 12:1-3 has been a source of encouragement and challenge to me:
“Therefore, we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.”
It is comforting to know that there is nothing I experience that was not also experienced by my Savior, Jesus Christ. If I follow His example of enduring, for the joy set before me – eternity with Him – He will strengthen and encourage my heart. I have come to realize that endurance is one key to a growing Christian walk. So often, the easiest route is to simply give up, or give in to attitudes that are not pleasing to the Lord. I am learning that endurance and faithfulness lead to strength and joy, which in turn give us the ability to endure and remain faithful. They are all intricately tied together.
Even though I may squawk sometimes, I want the Lord to do whatever it takes to mature me in Him. I have come to realize that in almost every case, those who are included in the “great cloud of witnesses” have experienced great pain and difficulty in their lives. I have a feeling that they are shining examples of Christian faith because they have faithfully endured that pain. That is a little scary, but I want to be like them, even if it means painful times in the valley. There is nothing I want more than to hear Jesus say to me, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21) I pray that the Lord will clean out any garbage in my life that would ensnare me and hold me back from growing in Him. I am thankful for all the experiences the Lord allows in my life, good and bad, because I am confident that each one is for a purpose.
Here at Buffalo Ridge we are at an interesting spot. We have experienced very difficult circumstances that have had serious repercussions. At the same time, we continue to move forward in ministry as more facilities are available. We trust that God will guide and provide as He sees fit. We are determined to run with endurance, the race He has set before us. Thank you for all your encouraging notes and e-mails. Thank you for your financial help. Most of all, thank you for your prayers. We sense God’s help through them. God bless you!