We Need Hard Times

“I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.“ John 15:5 BSB

In a story published by Runner’s World last week titled “Athing Mu: “Last Year Was Pretty Tough,’” it was reported that In 2021, Athing Mu put together arguably the greatest season for an American 800-meter runner—at just 19 years old. But after bursting into the spotlight at the Tokyo Olympics, Mu has struggled to find a balance between intense training, racing, and carving out time for herself. Mu spoke to Runner’s World ahead of the race about her unconventional 2023 season, current training progress, and ambitions outside of being an athlete. “[Last year] was pretty tough,” Mu said. “Coming into a new area being basically a full-time professional, versus in college being a student-athlete, is way different. I just had a whole bunch of changes going on, so I didn’t really know how to balance it out. But I think that kind of taught me what I need to do this year.”

And you know, while it’s never fun or easy to go through hard times, as believers we can rejoice in knowing that hard times teach us (in a way that nothing else can) that apart from Christ, we can do nothing. You see, it’s easy to forget God when the path is smooth and free from changes, especially when a person is young, able-bodied, and prosperous. Which is the very reason we need to experience tough times that cause us to surrender our pride and self-dependency and that push us into a deeper intimacy with Jesus… something that reaps benefits now and for eternity. 

So, if you’re facing adversity today, take heart my friend. Cling to Jesus, knowing that the closer you get to Him, the closer He will get to you and the more fruit you will bear. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder that believers must face hardship for their faith to grow and be tested. Help us to remember that You have a plan and a purpose for our lives and that You work all things together for our good and your glory. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!