For you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
–James 1:3-4
My father wasn’t a well-educated man. He only had about an 8th grade education. But he was wise in many ways.
I remember when I was playing 7th grade football. It was about mid-season, and I was banged up and tired. The conditioning and the hitting were really taking a toll on me.
Well, one week they decided to promote me up to the 8th grade team. So we boarded the bus to play our cross-town rivals. I distinctly remember the first time I tackled someone and there was hair on his legs! And I thought, “What am I doing here?!”
I remember getting in the car with my dad after that game. My body felt bruised all over. So I told my father, “Dad, I’m going to quit.” But my dad said, “Son, there’s no quit in this family. You can retire after the season’s over if that’s what you need to do, but you’re not going to quit in the middle of the season.” I’ve never forgotten that.
One of the best lessons we can teach our children – and ourselves – is not to quit, no matter how tough things may be. The Christian life isn’t just to be enjoyed; it’s something to be lived in power and pressing on. So when the going gets tough in the spiritual life, find your strength in Christ and get going for His glory!
DON’T GIVE UP BECAUSE OF ADVERSITY. PERSEVERE IN THE FAITH AND YOU’LL BE STRENGTHENED BY CHRIST TO OVERCOME ANY SITUATION!
