Over the last couple of days, I’ve shared about the importance of rest, trusting God, and being intentional with our health. Through these reflections, I’ve noticed a pattern in my life. I go through cycles of being really intentional about my health. I focus on meal prepping, getting to the gym, and making smart choices. Then life gets busy. Before I know it, I’m choosing convenience, skipping workouts, and convincing myself that I’ll get back on track later. Sound familiar?

The Parallel Between Spiritual & Physical Endurance

Yesterday, I mentioned having a Planet Fitness membership. I keep telling myself I’ll use it more consistently, but life always seems to get in the way. And honestly, Rachel has a point. She has told me more than once to cancel it. But every time I feel better or more motivated, I tell myself, this time, I’ll stick with it.

Faith can feel the same way. And as a pastor, I’m not immune to these struggles either. When things are going well, we engage deeply. When challenges come, we often struggle to maintain the same level of commitment. Endurance isn’t about going all in for a few weeks. It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard.

Paul understood this when he wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 about running the race of faith with endurance:

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

He compared our spiritual journey to that of an athlete in training, emphasizing the need for consistency, discipline, and a focus on the long-term goal. Just like an athlete preparing for competition, our spiritual growth requires dedication and perseverance.

Practical Ways to Build Endurance

So how do we avoid the cycle of starting strong and then falling off track? Here are a few key ways to build both spiritual and physical endurance:

Set Realistic Rhythms – Instead of going all in and burning out, focus on small, sustainable changes. Spiritually, that might mean committing to 10 minutes of prayer daily instead of trying to overhaul your entire routine at once.

Give Yourself Grace, But Stay Accountable – When you miss a workout or skip a devotional, don’t let guilt push you further away. Acknowledge it, adjust, and keep moving forward.

Find a Community – Whether it’s a workout partner, a small group, or an online accountability space, having people to walk alongside you makes a huge difference.

Recognize the Purpose – Just like taking care of your health allows you to serve others better, building spiritual endurance equips you to lead, encourage, and minister effectively.

Trust the Process – Growth, whether physical or spiritual, takes time. You won’t see progress overnight, but every choice you make today is an investment in who you’re becoming tomorrow.

The Long Run

I’m still figuring this out myself. I go through seasons where I feel on top of my game in both health and faith. And then there are seasons where I struggle to keep up. But I know this: God is patient, and real endurance is built over time.

So whether it’s your workout routine, your prayer life, or just trying to make better choices, let’s focus on persistence over perfection. The goal isn’t just to start well; it’s to finish strong.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the reminder that endurance in both our spiritual and physical lives is built over time. Help us to stay consistent, even when it’s hard, and to trust in Your strength when ours feels weak. Give us wisdom to set healthy rhythms, grace when we fall short, and perseverance to keep going. May our pursuit of health, both in body and soul, honor You and equip us to serve others well. In Jesus’ name, Amen.