When Endurance Fails

by HJS

In his book, Endurance, Alfred Lansing tells of the incredible journey of Sir Ernest Shackelton in 1915 across 800 miles of ice-filled ocean. It was bitterly cold and his safety was constantly threatened by gale-force winds. No one had ever made that exceedingly difficult journey before; and it was not until 1957 that an expedition with heated, tracked vehicles and radio communication attempted what he did. His journey has been called one of the most heroic journeys of all time. 

The world isn't full of Shackeltons. Common ordinary people - the Peters, Andrews, James and Johns of the everyday world - inhabit it, the moms who have to get their kids off to school and the dads who work two shifts to cover the expenses of a sick child.

But there is one thing for sure: At the end of your strength and your resources is the helping hand of God who takes you beyond yourself.

Paul wrote to Christians in Central Asia Minor and chided them because they started out in their Christian lives in a burst of glory, but then became discouraged, listened to dissenting voices, and gave up. "You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?" (Galatians 5:7).

Nothing of value is ever accomplished by giving up. When you are tempted to give up, pray, "God help me!" Take one more step and then one more, and that will be enough. Quitting is not an option when you have a passion for success.

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?   GALATIANS 5:7