Perspective Shift: Student EditionSample

Endurance isn't about our willpower and refusing to quit. It isn’t about earning our place in God’s family. It certainly isn’t about impressing God or others. It's about drawing strength from God that doesn’t make sense in the natural world; and then letting that strength become your joy. If we’re honest, could any of us build the endurance required to reach the “prize of the upward call of God” on our own? Not even close! Which is why Paul says he presses on “...in Christ Jesus.” Yes, we’re running a marathon that requires a great deal of endurance. But we don’t manufacture the strength on our own. It comes from God with joy, power, and eternal satisfaction.

• Recite this week's memory verse: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5, KJV).
• Where in your life do you need more spiritual endurance?
• How can you lean on God's strength when your own feels depleted?