Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

The playoff season in any sport requires both physical and mental endurance. The new format for the FedEx Cup lessens some areas of confusion but put a greater premium on a higher standing going into the finale at East Lake. A bad performance this week could end a player’s season. It is guaranteed the winner and all of the 30 finalists will be mentally and physically exhausted. The 2020 season will begin less than a month after the final putt is holed on the 2019 season. The 3 week vacation is a quick turn around and many need to start the season early in order to secure FedEx points which will be helpful once next summer arrives.

Paul taught the church in Galatia that the believer must avoid worldly discouragements and setbacks when doing good works in the name of Christ. However, it is easy to spread ourselves thin when we try and do too much. There is a victory to gain, but we have to be able to physically make it across the finish line. Additionally, we must have the mental acumen to find the finish line.

There is a period of time that elapses from the sowing season up to the time of harvest. Patience is often considered a quality that requires inactivity allowing the situation to work itself out. Patience is required for endurance. Paul speaking to church at Colossians 1:11, taught “being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience.” Thus, through the strength of Christ we receive both endurance and patience. Interestingly, Paul in Romans 15:5 stated, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.” The ability to endure is encouraging both to the saved and the lost. Having the stamina to persevere through day to day struggles is encouraging to others.

We know we serve a Savior who abides within us. What a witness we have to others as they continue to struggle to cope with sin. The lost are unable to endure living a life in sin. It is physically and mentally impossible. Sin is satisfying and gives the lost person the perception of control and enjoyment for a season. Notice that every sin has “low point” or a “breaking point” in which the person realizes they no longer have a grip on the behavior. They will suddenly realize the behavior has control and is slowly deteriorating any endurance within the body. Christ on the other hand only provides strength and “highs”. The deeper we get with Christ, the more we are strengthened and enabled with perseverance. He may not provide deliverance from a heartache, illness, or financial setback today, but He promises a harvest is coming for those who are patient and endure.