I remember when I signed up for the Marine Corps, one of the first things I had to do was start running to prepare myself for the rigors of Officers Candidate School (OCS). I was young, fit, and in good shape, but I quickly realized that I had very little endurance. I needed to pass a physical fitness test to qualify, which included a 3-mile run in under 24 minutes.
I could barely run half a mile on my first run, and that was well under an 8 minute per mile pace! I ran every day, increasing my speed and distance a little each time. This resulted in my endurance increasing as I persevered until I made it… even surpassing my goal. I had to suffer through pain and fatigue as I stretched myself to reach the goal, but the prize was well worth the effort.
The Bible tells that when, not if, trouble comes our way, we should let it be an opportunity for joy. That doesn’t mean we should pretend to be happy when we’re in pain. Troubles are a time for growing, stretching, and learning. Our faith is tested when we are under pressure. Our endurance will grow when we persevere and push through the troubled times.
James 1:2-3 (NLT) - “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”