Breaking the cycle: Enduring when its tough

Hebrews 12:1-3 | Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 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.

Romans 5:3-5 | We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.

• What problems and trials have you faced in your life?

• When those tough times came, did you turn to sin or to God? In what ways?

• How can remembering Christ’s example help you endure or stick out living God’s way when trials or troubles come?

• What results from enduring through trials according to Romans 5? How can enduring this time help you the next time a trial comes?