Monday, February 3, 2014

Tough

"Coach, that was a tough team and a tough game."

That's what I heard a basketball player say in the locker room the other day.  All the other sweaty, exhausted players on the team nodded in agreement.  They had just lost a hard-fought game.  Everyone on the team looked frustrated from the whole experience.

"Guys," said the coach, "life is tough.  That's just the way it'll be at times.  You have to accept that and deal with it."

Doggone, what a smart coach!  He said that without hesitating.  I even wanted to "Amen!" the guy, but I didn't.  Instead, I silently nodded in agreement.

Life is tough at times.  For you.  And for me.

Jesus even talked about it.  In Matthew 5:45, He said that the sun will rise "on the evil and the good." Then He continued by saying it will "rain on the righteous and the unrighteousness."  

Whoever said "Into each life some rain must fall," was right.  That's pretty much what Jesus was saying.  It was true then, and it is true now.

Everyone hurts some.  Everyone struggles with some sort of adversity.  Everyone has at least some seasons of life that are tough.

When life gets tough, just remember...

(1). It's a normal season of life when things hurt.

(2). Stay calm with God's peace rather than freaking out.

(3). God is present to accompany, empower, and guide you through this adversity.

(4). It is a temporary difficulty you are enduring, and better days are ahead for you.

(5).  Stay faithful to your responsibilities and continue to do what is right, even when life hurts.

(6).  Keep in mind that tough times make us tougher people.

Yep, life can get pretty tough at times.  Occasionally, more then we think we can handle.  But don't let these difficult seasons make you bitter; instead, let them make you better.

Finally, hold on to this truth:  Life is tough, but God is tougher.  He can more than handle your challenges.  So let Him accompany you in the midst of adversity, and see how awesome, compassionate, and helpful He really is.

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