We must Push Through Hardships

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair;” 2 Corinthians 4:8 NIV

In a story titled “Rochester runner’s resilience helps him push through life’s challenges” published by Rochester News yesterday, Cade Eells, a Nazareth University junior and cross country track runner who holds the school record for the 3K, steeplechase and the sprint medley relay, and was born without a right hand, shared the role resilience has played in his running and his life (especially after the recent death of his dad). “I run into people who ask how I run, or they’re impressed when I run with one hand because I don’t know if you know this, but usually you only run with two legs. I don’t think having one hand contributes to that,” Cade said jokingly. He went on to say that resilience is a word he lives by. “It just means to never give up and to push through the hardships, no matter how terrible things may look, they will get better eventually.” 

And you know, when it comes to hardships, one thing is certain… every believer will go through them. It’s just a fact. Which is the very reason followers of Jesus Christ must learn to be resilient and intent on overcoming at all costs. You see, we will be “hard pressed on every side” as Paul said but we will not be crushed if we keep our eyes and hearts fixed on Jesus Christ. And you can be sure we will also be perplexed, or confused by the things of this world that we don’t understand, but we will not despair because we know that God is and will always be in control and will never leave us or forsake us no matter how terrible things may look.

So keep your eyes on Jesus my friend. He never promised us an easy life but He did promise to walk with us through every trial. And because of that, we can push through any hardship and come out better for it on the other side. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we have no reason to fear or fret over the things going on in this world and in our lives. Strengthen our heart and minds with your promises Lord so we would bounce back every time we are faced with challenges or get knocked down. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!