Endurance

Life can often feel dry and discouraging, especially in seasons marked by pain, disappointment, or spiritual exhaustion. In these moments, it’s easy to lose heart and wonder how to keep going in our walk with God. But Hebrews 12 offers a clear and hopeful path forward: we are not alone in our struggle, and we are called to endure with purpose.
Scripture urges us to look to the “great cloud of witnesses” — faithful believers from the past who endured hardship yet remained rooted in God. Their stories, and the voices we choose to listen to today, remind us that spiritual resilience is possible. It matters who we surround ourselves with — we need people who speak life and truth and point us back to Christ.
We’re also called to strip away everything that weighs us down, including sin and even good things that distract us from Jesus. The Christian life is not a sprint, but a long race that requires intentionality and discipline. True endurance comes when we fix our eyes on Jesus — the one who endured the cross for the joy of reconciling us to God.
In spiritual dry seasons, we’re invited to return to the basics: soaking in the Gospels, remembering God's mercy, stripping away things hindering spiritual growth, building your life on truth - not fleeting emotions, creating space for prayer, and seeking accountability. These moments can be painful, but they’re also opportunities for growth. Even in the desert, God is at work — drawing us deeper, strengthening our faith, and preparing us to run with renewed endurance.

Small Group Guide: Enduring Through Spiritual Struggles

Opening Question:
Share a time when you felt spiritually discouraged or at "rock bottom." How did you navigate that season?

Key Takeaways:

1. Spiritual endurance is found in stripping away everything that is heavy and sinful until all we have left is Christ.
2. Looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, is crucial when facing struggles.
3. There's life-giving power in the Gospels when we feel spiritually depleted.
4. True joy comes from being reminded of our forgiveness in Christ.
5. Only in sitting with the King (Jesus) is there spiritual nourishment.

Discussion Questions:

1. The sermon mentions considering "the great cloud of witnesses" (Hebrews 12:1). Who are some spiritual mentors or examples that encourage your faith?

2. What are some "weights" in your life that might be hindering your spiritual growth? How can you begin to lay these aside?

3. Pastor Josh talked about the importance of being known and confessing sin. How comfortable are you with vulnerability in your spiritual life? What makes this challenging?

4. The sermon mentions that some people struggle spiritually during certain seasons. Have you noticed any patterns in your own spiritual life? How can you prepare for these challenging times?

5. What does it practically look like for you to "look to Jesus" in your daily life?

Practical Applications:

1. Set aside dedicated time this week to "sit with the King" - perhaps through extended prayer, Bible reading, or silent reflection.

2. Identify one "weight" or sin in your life that you need to address. Share with a trusted friend or Gospel partner for support.

3. Choose a Gospel (Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John) to read through in the coming weeks, focusing on Jesus' life and teachings.

4. Write a list of things you've been forgiven for, thanking God for His grace in each area.

5. Memorize Hebrews 12:1-2 as a reminder to keep running the race set before you.