Encouragement_for_the_Long_Haul.docx

Devotional

Day 1: Learning to Treasure What Lasts

As we walk with Christ, our understanding of what truly matters begins to change. The things that once seemed so important—achievements, recognition, possessions—start to lose their shine when compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus. This clarity doesn’t come overnight. It grows as we persevere through the ups and downs of life, letting God shape our hearts and priorities. Over time, we learn to let go of what is temporary and hold fast to what is eternal.

God invites us to see the world through His eyes. As we journey with Him, He gently reveals the difference between what is valuable and what is “rubbish.” The wisdom to make these distinctions is a gift that comes through faithful perseverance. When we keep our eyes on Christ, we find that the things of this world grow strangely dim, and our hearts are drawn to what truly lasts.

“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:7-8, ESV)

Reflection: What is one thing you have been chasing that, in light of Christ, you now see as less important? How can you take a step today to loosen your grip on it and treasure Jesus more?

Day 2: Suffering Draws Us Into Deeper Community

There is a unique fellowship that forms among those who have walked through similar trials. When we suffer, we often feel alone, but God uses our pain to connect us with others who understand. In these moments, we discover a bond that goes beyond surface-level friendship—a fellowship forged in the fires of hardship. This shared experience not only brings us closer to others but also draws us nearer to Christ, who suffered before us and walks with us still.

Our pain, when shared and understood, becomes a place of real connection and spiritual power. Instead of hiding our struggles, we are invited to bring them into the light, where they can be met with compassion and grace. In doing so, we find that we are not alone. Christ Himself meets us in our suffering, and through it, we experience a deeper fellowship with Him and with those who walk alongside us.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: Who in your life has gone through a similar struggle as you? How might you reach out to them this week to offer or receive comfort and encouragement?

Day 3: Resting in Grace, Not Earning God’s Favor

It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that our good works or years of service can earn us a place with God. But the truth is, nothing we do can open the gate to His presence—only His grace can. This realization humbles us and frees us from striving for approval. We are invited to rest in God’s mercy, knowing that we are welcomed not because of what we have done, but because of what Christ has done for us.

Grace is the foundation of our relationship with God. It is not about collecting points or building a spiritual resume. Instead, it is about receiving the gift of God’s love and forgiveness, and letting that gift shape the way we live. As we persevere in faith, we do so not to earn God’s favor, but to respond to the grace we have already received.

“He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you find yourself trying to “earn” God’s love or approval? What would it look like to rest in His grace instead today?

Day 4: Moving Forward Means Letting Go of the Past

The journey of faith is often hindered by the weight of our past mistakes and regrets. Paul’s example reminds us that to run the race well, we must not be shackled by what lies behind. God’s grace enables us to move forward, even when our history is painful or shameful. True perseverance means accepting forgiveness and focusing on the goal ahead, not the failures behind.

Letting go of the past is not about forgetting what has happened, but about refusing to let it define us. God’s mercy is new every morning, and He calls us to press on, trusting that He is able to redeem even our worst moments. As we fix our eyes on Jesus, we find the strength to leave the past behind and pursue the future He has prepared for us.

“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:18-19, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a past mistake or regret that is holding you back? What step can you take today to accept God’s forgiveness and move forward in faith?

Day 5: Endurance Matters More Than Appearances

In the Christian life, it is not about how fast we run or how impressive our progress looks to others. What matters most is that we keep going, step by step, even when the journey is slow or difficult. The story of Dack Axselle’s marathon reminds us that finishing the race is what truly matters in God’s eyes. Many may start strong, but it is those who endure to the end who embody the spirit of Christ.

God values faithfulness over flashiness. Every step taken in faith, no matter how small or halting, is precious to Him. When we persevere through obstacles and pain, we show the world what it means to trust in God’s strength rather than our own. The finish line is what counts, and God promises to be with us every step of the way.

“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For, ‘Yet a little while, and the coming one will come and will not delay.’” (Hebrews 10:36-37, ESV)

Reflection: Where do you feel like giving up in your walk with Christ? What is one small step you can take today to keep moving forward, trusting that God values your perseverance?

Sermon Summary

of the Sermon:**

In this sermon, we explored the theme of perseverance in the Christian life, drawing from Philippians 3:7-14 and the life of Paul. Through stories and scripture, we saw how perseverance shapes our perspective, deepens our fellowship with Christ and others, and leads us to true victory—not by our own merit, but by the grace of God. We reflected on the dangers of valuing the wrong things, the unique fellowship that comes from shared suffering, and the necessity of moving beyond our past mistakes to press on toward the goal Christ has set before us. The story of Dack Axselle’s marathon reminded us that finishing the race, no matter how long it takes or how difficult it is, is what truly matters in the eyes of God.

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Key Takeaways

1. Perseverance Clarifies What Truly Matters: As we journey with Christ over the years, perseverance gives us the wisdom to distinguish between what is truly valuable and what is ultimately "rubbish." The things we once chased—status, achievements, possessions—lose their luster in the light of Christ’s surpassing worth. This clarity is not instant, but grows as we walk faithfully through the seasons of life.
2. Suffering Creates Deep Fellowship: There is a unique bond formed among those who have suffered similar trials. When we endure hardship, we not only draw closer to others who have walked that path, but we also enter into a deeper fellowship with Christ, who suffered before us. Our pain, when shared and understood, becomes a place of real connection and spiritual power.
3. Grace, Not Achievement, Opens the Gate: The story of the preacher at heaven’s gate reminds us that no amount of good works or years of service can earn us entry into God’s presence. It is only by the overwhelming grace of God that we are welcomed in. This truth humbles us and frees us from striving for points, inviting us to rest in God’s mercy as we persevere.
4. Letting Go of the Past is Essential for Perseverance: Paul’s example teaches us that to run the race well, we must not be shackled by our past failures or regrets. The grace of God enables us to move forward, even when our history is painful or shameful. True perseverance means accepting forgiveness and focusing on the goal ahead, not the mistakes behind.
5. Finishing the Race Matters More Than How Fast You Run: The story of Dack Axselle shows that victory in the Christian life is not about speed or outward success, but about enduring to the end. Many may start strong, but it is those who keep pressing on—despite obstacles, pain, or slow progress—who truly embody the spirit of Christ. In God’s eyes, the finish line is what counts, and every step taken in faith is precious.

Bible Study Guide

**Bible Study Discussion Guide: Perseverance in the Christian Life**

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### Bible Reading

**Philippians 3:7-14**

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### Observation Questions

In Philippians 3:7-8, what does Paul say about the things he once valued, and what does he now consider most important?
According to the sermon, what are some examples of things people often chase after that Paul calls “rubbish” or “skubala”?
How does Paul describe his attitude toward his past mistakes in Philippians 3:13?
What was unique about Dack Axselle’s marathon experience, and why was it highlighted in the sermon?

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### Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul use such strong language (“rubbish” or “dung”) to describe his former achievements and status? What does this reveal about his new perspective in Christ?
The sermon mentions that suffering creates a special kind of fellowship. How does shared suffering deepen relationships with others and with Christ?
The story of the preacher at heaven’s gate emphasizes grace over achievement. How does this story help us understand Paul’s message in Philippians 3:9?
What does it mean to “press on toward the goal” in the context of the Christian life, especially when dealing with past failures or regrets?

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### Application Questions

Looking at your own life, are there things you once considered important that now seem less valuable in light of your relationship with Christ? What are they, and how did your perspective change?
Is there a past mistake or regret that still holds you back from moving forward in your faith? What would it look like to “forget what is behind” and press on, as Paul describes?
Have you experienced a time when suffering brought you closer to someone else or to God? How did that shared experience change your relationship?
The sermon talked about the danger of striving for “points” with God. Are there ways you find yourself trying to earn God’s approval instead of resting in His grace? How can you remind yourself of God’s mercy this week?
Think about someone in your life who is currently suffering. What is one practical way you can offer real fellowship or encouragement to them this week?
Dack Axselle’s story shows that finishing the race matters more than how fast you run. Are you discouraged by slow progress in your spiritual life? What would it look like to celebrate perseverance rather than speed?
What is one step you can take this week to “press on toward the goal” God has set before you, even if it feels small or difficult?

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Sermon Quotes

One of the clear values in persevering with Christ is simply living long enough to tell the difference between rubbish and things that have true value. Perseverance adds a proper perspective to life that you can’t get any other way.

If you can’t forget your past mistakes, you’ll have a tough time with perseverance. Like Paul, you and I must come face to face with the grace of God, accept that grace, and run like an Olympic marathoner aiming for the finish line.

People who suffer together have a fellowship like none other. While some listen to pain with head knowledge, others always listen with a kindred spirit that only comes from experience. There’s fellowship in the suffering!

Without perseverance, you’ll never know victory. Without hanging in there and following Christ on a daily basis—for all the days of your life—victory is impossible. With perseverance, victory is certain.

It seems so tragic that we can’t break the cycle. Younger adults focus on a great number of goals, only to discover later in life that they’ve put too much value in skubala—rubbish.

A person who perseveres must move past their mistakes. He must somehow forget the pain of past embarrassment, and move on with his purpose.

More than half the runners with good legs couldn’t finish the race, but Dack became the biggest winner of the day—simply because he pressed on toward the goal. It didn’t matter that his time was so slow. It mattered only that he finished.

When Paul suffered, he felt a kindred spirit with Christ. In those experiences, Paul found power. If you are suffering today, don’t miss the value God has in store for you.

Paul wasn’t the perfect man. He was a follower of the perfect man, trying to become more and more like Jesus. His victorious living was due, in large part, simply to perseverance.

One of the problems of persevering is living long enough to have all kinds of suffering. At the same time, one of the benefits of persevering is living long enough to experience suffering—and in suffering, there is value.

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