Will day's end find you standing tall?

Hupomone (hoop·om·on·ay). Go ahead, say it aloud! Hupomone! Fun, isn’t it?  It is a word of Koine (coin- ay) Greek. (the language in which the New Testament was first written)  It's a compound word;  a prefix meaning 'under,' and a root meaning, 'remain.'  “Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance (hupomone) the race that is set before us," (Hebrews 12:1, NKJV) 

Unlike a sprinter who explodes from the starting block, pouring everything he has into a 100 meter dash,  Christians are long-distance runners.  We set a pace that we can maintain, steadily and consistently, living for Jesus-- with patience, with endurance. (hupomone!)  We have to hold it together even under the weight of many trials!

Lots of people begin projects only to collapse before the finish line!
Marriages, once sparkling with love, turn into a dull partnership, when the strains of kids, debt, or ill health comes.
That new job was going the place to shine, but a burnt out functionary takes the place of the inspiring performer.
Students go off to college intending to make the Dean's list and too easily get sidetracked into the three day weekend party lifestyle.

People respond the Good News about Jesus Christ and begin their Christian life with enthusiasm. They are always in church, loving worship and fellowship. They discover God's will and purpose and cheerfully change things that the Spirit teaches them.  Their prayer is full of childlike simplicity and earnest faith.  But, then comes disappointment.  In the fire of temptation, the joy evaporates. The disciple turns into a pew warmer, a critic, with a 'form of godliness that denies the real Power.'

Hupomone is about a faithful finish!

'Finishers' are people who keep their word, who fulfill their calling, who maintain their Christian witness through joy and sorrow, Summer and Winter, sunshine and rain.  Jesus told a teaching story about this. “Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish.’ Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can’t, won’t he send an emissary and work out a truce?” (Luke 14:28-32, The Message) The implied conclusion is - FINISH what you start! (Hupomone!)

Remember that it isn't "all guts, no glory." Finishers enjoy what mere starters never find: the satisfaction of a job well done, a life well lived, a victor's crown! The ultimate reward is the commendation of the Lord and a welcome into His presence.

How do we endure, finishing well?  "We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up." (Hebrews 12:2-3, NLT)   It’s about Jesus!  Exhausted?  Stop and re-center on Him. You may be chasing too many goals.  Unmotivated?  Set your hope on Eternity’s promise.  Doubtful? Jesus was tested too. Pray for Him to renew your faith by the Spirit.

HUPOMONE! Say through the day. People might think you are a little unbalanced. If they ask, just tell them you're speaking Greek. (You are!) Have fun.

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A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God,

A bulwark never failing.

Our helper He amid the flood

Of mortal ills prevailing.

For still our ancient foe

Doth seek to work us woe,

His craft and pow'r are great,

And armed with cruel hate,

On earth is not his equal.

Did we in our own strength confide

Our striving would be losing.

Were not the right Man on our side,

The Man of God's own choosing.

Dost ask who that may be?

Christ Jesus, it is He.

Lord Sabaoth, His name.

From age to age, the same.

And He must win the battle.

And tho' this world with devils filled

Should threaten to undo us.

We will not fear for God hath willed

His truth to triumph thru us.

The prince of darkness grim,

We tremble not for him,

His rage we can endure,

For lo his doom is sure,

One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly pow'rs

No thanks to them abideth.

The Spirit and the gifts are ours

Thru Him who with us sideth.

Let goods and kindred go,

This mortal life also,

The body they may kill,

God's truth abideth still,

His kingdom is forever!

Martin Luther

© Words: Public Domain