“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

Living for the Long Haul

Athletes need endurance to stay sharp, healthy and active in their given sport. When they feel fatigued and fear burnout, it’s helpful to talk to truckers and others who live life on the road, in similar ways to athletes, with less perks and more problems to overcome.

Interstates are lined with rolling big rigs 24 hours a day and seven days a week. These 18-wheelers carry all kinds of freight across state lines from New York to Nevada, from Maine to Miami and from Atlanta to Albuquerque. Truck drivers require mental and physical toughness to keep on climbing up behind the wheel from day to day and for the long haul. 

Drivers are usually allowed to drive about 10 hours a day and forge through rain, heavy traffic and snow. Overnight, they often sleep in the cab of the truck and may take a shower at a truck stop. They eat on the run and may not sleep but five hours per night. 

Though most of us drive smaller vehicles and go home every night, we all need endurance to live in this world. The Bible is the best place to look for the life skills needed to keep on rolling. “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

Believers who went before us inspire us to keep moving along, and Jesus is the best example. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2).