I competed as a long distance runner in track and cross-country during high school and college. As a long distance runner, I very much understand the mental aspect of physical sports. Running requires not only physical ability, but discipline and mental strength as well. To have success in reaching goals for times or accomplishing the places in races, one of the biggest obstacles to overcome is pushing through not only physically but also mentally. This ability to push through during the tough moments is considered perseverance.
Perseverance is defined as the “continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.” There are moments in any competition or training when your body (or your schedule!) is telling you it would rather stop or take it easier. But success comes when your mind is strong and the will to persevere even in these difficult times pushes on. While I’ve experienced first-hand the importance of perseverance in my running career, perseverance is important in any sport, skill, and in life. When we face difficulties, failure, or opposition, we have to make a decision about whether we are going to let the challenges of the moment be ahead of the goals we want to accomplish. We could say that moments of perseverance are game-changers within our own situations that we face.
I have found encouragement from this verse in Philippians 3:13-14 that says, “I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” I hope that you will find hope and strength for whatever challenge you are facing now. Don’t let the difficulty of the moment take over, but with mental and spiritual strength, know that you can persevere and get through these times. Look ahead, look to God, and press on towards the goal.
Amy Givens, Director of Youth Ministries
