Biblical grit

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.” James 1:2,3 NLT

Immediately after my friend Gretchen and I crossed the finish line of the Mile 0 Flint Hills 50k Saturday afternoon, we gave one another ‘the look’ we’ve both come to recognize after running hundreds of miles together over the years. It was the look that said, “This one was really really tough but I’m so glad we didn’t give up because we would have regretted it forever.” And then we hugged long and hard knowing that crossing the finish line after 31 miles of battling intense wind, cold, and foot pain felt by both of us was well worth the effort—and not only worth the effort but a victory made even sweeter and more deserving of celebration because of the hard work it took to achieve it. In fact, Gretchen and I both agreed afterwards that we were exceptionally thankful for the adverse conditions we were faced with out on the course because we knew we gained a little more grit; something that would be of great benefit to us in the long run.

And you know, when it comes to developing grit or the strength of character to endure trials of different types and intensities, the Bible tells us to “consider it an opportunity for great joy” when we are faced with things that test our faith, because these 'things' grow our endurance. In other words, when you and I face difficulties, struggles, trials and troubles in life, and we make the decision to press on in spite of and in the face of them, our endurance grows and our faith gets stronger. Which means, each time you and I overcome small problems in life, we become more steadfast and immovable which enables us to endure and conquer bigger problems, and then bigger ones, and then bigger ones. Get my point?

So no matter what you’re facing today my friend, don’t give up. Keep pressing on to the finish line knowing that by doing so you are gaining the faith and grit you’ll need to endure to the end—something that will come with rewards both in this life and in the one to come.

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that giving up before reaching the finish line will always leave us with regret. Please remind us Lord that when we don’t have the strength to press on, You do. And by Your strength we can do all things. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.

Happy Running!!!