Building endurance

Fired Up

Jimmy Page (adapted from WisdomWalks Sports)

READY:

“Consider it a great joy, my brothers, whenever you experience various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. But endurance must do its complete work, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” – James 1:2-4

SET:

Cut from the team. Knee blows out senior year. Lose the state title. Playing time disappears. Your mistake costs the team a win. As a competitor, all these circumstances are considered tough trials. Add academic pressure or conflict at home and you can feel overwhelmed.

But our character is uncovered during life’s trials. It is revealed and refined in the fire. When we are squeezed, what comes out shows us what’s inside. And for God to truly transform us, it takes time, pressure and heat. He forms our character the same way he forms diamonds. When the element carbon is forced deep beneath the surface of the earth, it encounters extreme temperatures and pressure. Those extreme conditions transform carbon into diamonds. And when they rise again to the surface, they display the brilliance of the light.

So, when we face trials, we can do it with joy, knowing God will use every piece of the pressure and pain to produce perseverance and maturity. And if we let our character be formed in the fire, we, too, will shine in His light. Going through tough times will make us unshakeable and Him unmistakable.

GO:

1. Have you experienced adversity or trials that have tested your faith?
2. What are the purposes of the pain we suffer in this life?
3. How important is it to have others walk with you through your trials?

WORKOUT:

1 Peter 4:12-16
2 Corinthians 1:3-6
Proverbs 17:17

OVERTIME:

Father, I know that storms are not optional, but inevitable. Use these trials to transform me and change me into the person You have made me to be. Let me rejoice when I face trials and struggles and trust that You have a reason. Form my character through the fire. Amen.

Want more Relentless studies? Check out the Athletes Bible atfcagear.com