30 Days of Endurance for Women LeadersSample

Week 2 — Built to Withstand

Day 8: Endurance is a Mindset

Biblical Basis: James 1:2–4 (ESV)

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,
for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

James doesn’t offer a platitude. He issues a command steeped in deep theological truth: Count it all joy when trials come. This joy isn’t the superficial “look on the bright side” kind. It’s a recognition that suffering serves a purpose—it tests faith and produces endurance.

The word for endurance here is “steadfastness," which means a steadfast, patient bearing under pressure, not a passive waiting but an active, gritty hanging on. The process is intentional and refining, “letting steadfastness have its full effect,” which implies cooperating with God’s work, allowing the trial to mature and complete you.

The end goal? Spiritual maturity: being perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. This is the enduring leader, one who does not shrink from difficulty but is shaped by it, becoming whole in Christ.

To endure is first a mindset. It is choosing to see hardship as a refining tool, not a derailment. It requires faith to believe that God’s refining purpose outweighs present pain. This mindset guards your heart from discouragement and gives you the stamina to lead through the long haul.

DEEP Reflection:

• D – Draw Near to God:
  Pray: “Father, help me to see trials as You do—as tools for growth. Strengthen my heart to endure with joy, not resentment.”
• E – Examine the Text:
  Read James 1:1–18. What is the relationship between testing, faith, and maturity? How does joy function in this process?
• E – Engage Your Heart:
  What trials have you faced recently? How have you responded mentally and spiritually? Have you embraced endurance as a refining process?
• P – Practice the Principle:
  Choose one trial or challenge currently in your life. Write down how you will intentionally “count it joy” this week by cooperating with God’s refining work through prayer, Scripture, or action.

By the end of your day, identify one area of your life or leadership that needs to be rebuilt on God’s Word.

See you on day nine.