I am sure to most of you readers, this title, Sisu, (pronounced See’-soo) is a strange word that you have never heard before. What does this word mean? And what is its origin?
Being of Finnish heritage myself, I am quite familiar with this word, as it is a Finnish word. Sisu is a term described as being integral to understanding Finnish culture. It is the word that explains Finland; the Finns’ “favorite word.” This word does not have an exact English translation, but from Google we will make an attempt to describe it.
From Wikipedia you can read an entire page about this word. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisu)
It is:
- a psychological key competence which enables extraordinary action to overcome a mentally or physically challenging situation enabling the individual to tap into mental strength beyond their pre-conceived resources
- a courageous approach toward challenges which at first seem to exceed our capacities
- going beyond one’s mental and physical capacity
- an inner reserve of diligence, capacity, the ability to face head-on and always overcome
- having courage to take action where success is against the odds
- displaying courage and resolutenessin the face of extreme adversity
- deciding on a course of action and then sticking to that decision despite repeated failures
- the ability to keep fighting after most people would have quit
- to fight with the will to win.
The closest English equivalent would be a combination of: stoic, determination, grit, bravery, resilience, and hardiness. In other words, “Just do it.” Finish what you start, and do not quit in the middle of a job no matter what challenges you face.
For example: “Last week the Finns gave the world a good example of sisu by carrying the war into Russian territory on one front while on another they withstood merciless attacks by a reinforced Russian Army. In the wilderness that forms most of the Russo-Finnish frontier between Lake Laatokka and the Arctic Ocean, the Finns definitely gained the upper hand.” —Time Magazine, January 8, 1940
“It doesn’t take sisu to go to the North Pole; it takes sisu to stand at the door when the bear is on the other side.” (https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=sisu)
Now that we have defined the term, we will apply this to our spiritual lives. We all need this sisu in order to reach heaven. The ability to carry on when we feel like giving up; deciding to continue regardless of failures we may have made. Facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles with confidence, knowing that we will surmount them with the help of Christ. All throughout the Bible you find examples when the followers of the Lord faced extremely difficult situations with the courage of sisu, such as Daniel’s three friends when faced with the fiery furnace (Daniel 3) and Daniel himself when faced with the lion’s den (Daniel 5). Also, I am sure that John the Revelator was calm when he was lowered into a boiling pot of oil. This same power is available to you today to remain calm and trustful of the Lord in extremely difficult circumstances.
Is the Christian life mainly to be one of difficulty, pain, suffering and misery? David wrote, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” Psalm 34:19. How many afflictions will the righteous have to endure? A few? No, it says many. How many will the Lord deliver them from? All!! Being a Christian never exempts a person from affliction, but it gives them strength to endure because the Lord delivers them out of all the afflictions. They just need to have faith. Do the wicked live happy lives while the Christians an unhappy life of toil and suffering? Nothing could be further from the truth. Although Jesus was a “Man of sorrows and, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3) He was the happiest man who ever lived.
There are many non-Christians who do suffer and many of their sufferings stem from the effects of intemperance, of crime, and evil habits. There is no true peace to the unbeliever.
Many times the sufferings of the Christian are often less than those of the unbelievers who also suffer This was clearly seen when the 10 plagues were poured out on the Egyptians. The Israelites were spared. “I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which My people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth.” Exodus 8:22. Some of the rewards of right living are enjoyed in this life. And the Christian has peace, comfort, and the abiding presence of Jesus during all their trials. They have strength (sisu) to go on when all around seems to be falling apart.
I read a story in a religious magazine about the Finnish people and Sisu. It has a bit of humour, but it clearly defines the spiritual strength and attitude that we need to have:
During World War II, their enemy the Russians, who live in a country 66 times their size, were unaccustomed to fighting in the wilderness in winter. The Finnish soldiers managed to stave off the Russians quite effectively to maintain their independence. “It began as a distant, foreboding hum, then grew into an ominous, earth-rattling din. Soon hundreds of tanks and thousands of enemy infantrymen swarmed into view of the badly outnumbered soldiers in Finland. Assessing the murderous wave, an anonymous Finn lent some perspective. Courageously, he wondered aloud about the enemy: “Where will we find room to bury them all?” –https://odb.org/2015/11/14/the-mighty-finns/
Although it may seem humorous, yet they had no fear of the enemy whose army was much larger than theirs. They had confidence in their ability to win the battle, regardless of the size of the enemy. Comparatively speaking, the host of the evil angels, and the host of evil men on this earth, greatly outnumber the children of God. “The LORD did not set His love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people.” Deuteronomy 7:7. The true people of God have always been small in number—a remnant. “Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved.” Romans 9:27. We need the confidence (sisu) of the Finnish soldiers. Our enemy has been defeated at Calvary. We have a Friend who will help us to win the battle. Our Friend is mightier than our enemy. “At the sound of fervent prayer, Satan’s whole host trembles.” –Messages to Young People, p. 53. It is not numbers that bring success. It is faith. One day our enemy will be burned and buried in ashes. We have no reason to fear him even though he is stronger than we are because “greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” 1 John 4:4. “Not by might, nor by power, but by My spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6
There is a famous speech that Winston Churchill gave in Britain, recounting Great Britain’s progress during the first 10 months of World War II. In the middle of the speech was this sentence. “Never give in, never give in, never, never, never, never-in nothing, great or small, large or petty—never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense.” –https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/winston_churchill_709611
Since all Christians face trials and afflictions in this life, we should heed the counsel that Winston Churchill gave in his speech. Never, never, never, never give up. Pray for extraordinary strength when yours is all spent; the will to carry on when the way seems dark and discouraging. Jesus gave the similar message when He said, “And ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matthew 10:22. To endure until the end means, to never give up. No matter what you may face—do not give up. Ask for the sisu to carry on.
The Lord can give us this stamina to endure all persecutions, even if they come from loved ones, family members, friends, or church members. How many have not come to the faith, being held back by their loved ones. A spouse, or a parent, would disapprove and ill treat them if they accepted the faith. Fear of being estranged from family keeps many away. However, Jesus mentions, “all men” so the hatred comes not only from loved ones but from everywhere. We have yet to feel the full fury of the world’s hatred as was seen in Europe during the time of the Papal Supremacy in the Dark Ages. It will come in even greater fury in the future. Yet, Christ will see us through. After all the sufferings that the Apostle Paul endured, he could say, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” 2 Corinthians 4:17. He went on to encourage the believers, “That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.” 1 Thessalonians 3:3. The trials will come. We need to be prepared so we are not caught unawares. All trials that our loving Father permits are the necessary means for our salvation. Character is perfected by trials, and Christians must not rebel against the refining process.
THE MARATHON—NO RELEASE IN THIS LIFE
It takes stamina—sisu—to endure to the end. This is a marathon we are running and we cannot stop. We cannot simply just start the race; we need to remain in the race until
Jesus comes. We cannot take a rest or “time-out” from the race.
“When souls are converted their salvation is not yet accomplished. They then have the race to run; the arduous struggle is before them to do, what? ‘To fight the good fight of faith,’ to press forward to the mark for the prize of the high calling which is in Christ Jesus. There is no release in this warfare; the battle is lifelong, and must be carried forward with determined energy proportionate to the value of the object you are in pursuit of, which is eternal life. Immense interests are here involved. We are made partakers of Christ’s self-sacrifice here in this life, and then we are assured that we shall be partakers of all its benefits in the future immortal life, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end. Think of this.” –My Life Today, p. 313
Once the race is begun, all the runner does is think of the finish line, and expends every ounce of strength to reach it. There is no time for side issues. Often a runner will endure pain and discomfort in order to reach the goal. He will never stop half way and congratulate himself as to how well he is doing. He will run to the end. Victory is the end result of hard rigorous training and self-control.
“From the days of Adam to our own time our great enemy has been exercising his power to oppress and destroy. He is now preparing for his last campaign against the church. All who seek to follow Jesus will be brought into conflict with this relentless foe. The more nearly the Christian imitates the divine Pattern, the more surely will he make himself a mark for the attacks of Satan.” –My Life Today, p. 309. The only way to endure the hatred of evil men is to, “Overcome evil with good. And ye shall be hated of all men for My name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Romans 12:21
The battle will be over only when Jesus comes the second time. We cannot give up the race until then. Satan will not give up. He is getting more angry and furious as time nears the end. We cannot sleep for a moment.
“The struggle for conquest over self, for holiness and heaven, is a lifelong struggle. Without continual effort and constant activity there can be no advancement in the divine life, no attainment of the victor’s crown.
“The strongest evidence of man’s fall from a higher state is the fact that it costs so much to return. The way of return can be gained only by hard fighting, inch by inch, every hour. By a momentary act of will, one may place himself in the power of evil; but it requires more than a momentary act of will to break these fetters and attain to a higher, holier life. The purpose may be formed, the work begun; but its accomplishment will require toil, time, and perseverance, patience and sacrifice. . . .
“God leads His people on step by step. The Christian life is a battle and a march. In this warfare there is no release; the effort must be continuous and persevering. It is by unceasing endeavor that we maintain the victory over the temptations of Satan. Christian integrity must be sought with resistless energy and maintained with a resolute fixedness of purpose.” –Testimonies for the Church, vol. 8, p. 312–314
ARMOUR OF GOD
The only way we can win is to have a will to fight and have on the entire armour of God. Although many will give up the struggle and join the enemy’s side of ease and pleasure, there will be a few who will use the sisu that the Lord offers to fight until the end. When we reach our extremity, God will be there and will see us through.
“Soldiers engaged in battle have to meet difficulties and hardships. Coarse food is given them, and that often in limited quantities. They have long marches, day by day, over rough roads and under burning suns, camping out at night, sleeping on the bare ground, with only the canopy of heaven for a covering, exposed to drenching rains and chilling frosts, hungry, faint, exhausted, now standing as a target for the foe, now in deadly encounter. Thus they learn what hardship means. Those who enlist in Christ’s army are also expected to do difficult work, and to bear painful trials patiently for Christ’s sake. But those who suffer with Him shall also reign with Him.” –Ye Shall Receive Power, p. 345
“It is not safe for us, when going into battle, to cast away our weapons. It is then that we need to be equipped with the whole armor of God. Every piece is essential.” –My Life Today, p. 309
Loins girt about with Truth: It is when we walk in the light that shines upon us, obeying the truth that is open to our understanding, that we receive greater light. . . . If the truth of God be not deep rooted in the heart, you cannot stand the test of temptation.” –Ibid, p. 310
Breastplate of Righteousness: “By His perfect obedience He has made it possible for every human being to obey God’s commandments. When we submit ourselves to Christ . . . we live His life. This is what it means to be clothed with the garment of His righteousness.” –Ibid, p. 311
Feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace: “The Lord is soon coming. Talk it, pray it, believe it. Make it a part of the life. . . . Everywhere there are hearts crying out for something which they have not. . . . Will you be the one whose feet are shod with the preparation of the gospel, and go and preach to those who are in darkness, but longing for light?” –Ibid, p. 312
Shield of Faith: “Faith in God’s Word, prayerfully studied and practically applied, will be our shield from Satan’s power and will bring us off conquerors through the blood of Christ.” –Ibid, p. 313
Helmet of Salvation: “God bids us fill the mind with great thoughts, pure thoughts. He desires us to meditate upon His love and mercy, to study His wonderful work in the great plan of redemption. . . . The soul dwelling in the pure atmosphere of holy thought will be transformed by communion with God through the study of the Scriptures.” –God’s Amazing Grace, p. 34
Sword of the Spirit: “Let them take the Word of truth as the man of their counsel, and become skillful in the use of ‘the sword of the Spirit.’ Satan is a wise general; but the humble, devoted soldier of Jesus Christ may overcome him. . . . The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, we are to cut our way through the obstructions and entanglements of sin.” –Ibid, p. 35
Today, “Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” 1 Timothy 6:12. We are fighting the fight of faith—truth—a revelation of how a Christian is to live in this world of sin. Not a secret life unto ourselves. No one trains for the Olympics just to run in secret.
“Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Timothy 2:3. All the physical training, loyalty and discipline of a soldier in any army today are necessary requirements for a soldier of Christ.
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Philippians 4:13. Through Christ alone, we have power to do all things; nothing will be impossible. There is no room for any boasting. When the Lord gives His commands and the Christian makes a firm decision to obey, Christ makes Himself responsible for the success of the work to be undertaken. In Christ there is power to fulfill every duty, to overcome every sin and resist every temptation; power to endure all afflictions, and patiently suffer without any complaints. In Christ also there is grace for daily growth, courage for the battles of life, and energy for devoted service no matter how tired or exhausted you may be—sisu.
“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of His understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might He increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28–31
The Lord provides the sisu when you have a will to carry on but are growing faint. Just hold on by faith and trust.
Sisu is endurance; there is no room for ease loving Christians in the Lord’s army.
“Satan uses the listless, sleepy indolence of professed Christians to strengthen his forces and win souls to his side. Many, who think that though they are doing no actual work for Christ, they are yet on His side, are enabling the enemy to pre-occupy ground and gain advantages. By their failure to be diligent workers for the Master, by leaving duties undone and words unspoken, they have allowed Satan to gain control of souls who might have been won for Christ
“We can never be saved in indolence and inactivity. There is no such thing as a truly converted person living a helpless, useless life. It is not possible for us to drift into heaven. No sluggard can enter there. If we do not strive to gain an entrance into the kingdom, if we do not seek earnestly to learn what constitutes its laws, we are not fitted for a part in it.”–Christ’s Object lessons, p. 280
“Then who of us have entered the service to expect the conveniences of life, to be off duty when we please, laying aside the soldier’s armor and putting on the civilian’s dress, sleeping at the post of duty, and so exposing the cause of God to reproach? . . . Hard and trying work has to be done, but blessed are those who are ready to do it when their names are called. God will not reward men and women in the next world for seeking to be comfortable in this.” –Ye Shall Receive Power, p. 345
“We are now on the battlefield. There is no time for resting, no time for ease, no time for selfish indulgence. After gaining one advantage, you must do battle again; you must go on conquering and to conquer, gathering fresh strength for fresh struggles. Every victory gained gives an increase of courage, faith, and determination. Through divine strength you will prove more than a match for your enemies.” –The Signs of the Times, Sept. 7, 1891
“The only thing we have to fear on our part is that we shall not keep our eyes continually fixed upon Jesus, that we shall not have an eye single to the glory of God, so that if we were called to lay down our armor and sleep in death we might not be ready to give an account of our trust. Forget not for a moment that you are Christ’s property, bought with an infinite price, and that you are to glorify Him in your spirit, and in your body, which are His.” –Selected Messages, bk. 2, p. 273
Soon, very soon, the whole world will be arraigned against God’s commandment keeping people Do you have the sisu in Christ to endure until the end? It is my prayer that we all may be ready to meet Jesus in that glorious earth made new when He comes again. Amen.
Wendy Eaton