Endurance

We hear about it with marathon runners, or competitive bikers, or swimmers. All the sports, all the athletes, are supposedly the epitomy of endurance.

But I see something different in that word -- I see the quiet people in the quiet corners who are silently, valiantly enduring trials in their lives, fighting hidden battles that we may never know.

For those who are fighting these battles, quiet and sincere in their endurance and perseverance, no cheers are heard. No “attaboy’s” or applause. Their endurance is usually a lonely battle. But they know that they always have One by their side. They know that He sees their struggles, and stands with them to support them, even when no one else does.

How many of us are passing right by these people who still valiantly fight their battles and endure their challenges? Do you see their struggles and offer aid? Do you offer an encouraging word, or a criticism? Do you show the heart of a servant?

This is for those who continue to fight the good fight, even in the most difficult of circumstances:

“Those who wait upon the Lord will gain new strength, they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” (Isaiah 40:31, NAS)

I was sure by now
That You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away,
Stepped in and saved the day.
But, once again,
I say “Amen” and it’s still raining.

But as the thunder rolls,
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
“I’m with you.”
And as Your mercy falls,
I raise my hands and praise
The God Who gives and takes away.

And I’ll praise You in this storm,
And I will lift my hands,
That You are Who You are,
No matter where I am.
And every tear I cry,
You hold in Your hand -
You never left my side,
And though my heart is torn,
I will praise You in this storm.

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind,
You heard my cry to You
And raised me up again.
My strength is almost gone.
How can I carry on
If I can’t find You?

But as the thunder rolls,
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
“I’m with you,” and as Your mercy falls,
I raise my hands and praise
The God who gives and takes away.

And I’ll praise You in this storm,
And I will lift my hands,
That You are Who You are,
No matter where I am.
And every tear I cry,
You hold in Your hand -
You never left my side,
And though my heart is torn,
I will praise You in this storm.

I lift my eyes unto the hills.
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
The Maker of heaven and earth.
I lift my eyes unto the hills.
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
The Maker of heaven and earth.

And I’ll praise You in this storm,
And I will lift my hands,
That You are Who You are,
No matter where I am.
And every tear I cry,
You hold in Your hand -
You never left my side,
And though my heart is torn,
I will praise You in this storm.
Though my heart is torn,
I will praise You in this storm.

~~”Praise You in This Storm” by Mark Hall/Casting Crowns (Album: Lifesong, 2005)