It's the Hard That Makes It Great!

Exhausted and thrilled — the two feelings that only arrive together.

Theme: Perseverance Through Adversity
Verse: "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him." (James 1:12)

My friends Nancy and Megan recently completed a mini triathlon. Their immediate reactions afterward were exactly what you'd expect — they were exhausted, and they were thrilled by what they had accomplished.

Those two responses go hand in hand whenever we take on something difficult and see it through.

Their accomplishment reminded me of a memorable scene near the end of A League of Their Own. As the team prepares to play in the World Series, Dottie Hinson decides to leave after her husband returns home from the war. When manager Jimmy Dugan asks why she's leaving, she simply says, "It just got too hard."

Her answer wasn't really about the physical demands of baseball. It was about choosing a different path — a life with the man she loved.

Jimmy responds with one of the most memorable lines in the movie: "It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard is what makes it great."

There's wisdom in that statement, and it echoes an even greater biblical truth.

Jesus never promised that following Him would be easy. Instead, He called His followers to deny themselves, take up their cross daily, and follow Him. The Christian life includes trials, setbacks, and sacrifices. But God promises that our struggles are never wasted. As James reminds us, those who persevere under trial are blessed because their faith is being tested, strengthened, and ultimately rewarded.

Like a triathlon, life presents us with different kinds of challenges. Some stretches seem manageable, while others push us beyond what we think we can endure. Yet through preparation, perseverance, and faith, God gives us the strength to keep moving forward. When we finally reach the finish, we may be tired — but we'll also know we've met the challenge, grown through it, and experienced God's faithfulness every step of the way.

Congratulations, Nancy and Megan, on an incredible accomplishment! Your determination is an inspiration to us all.

Have a GREAT week!