Tough Times
Duke women’s basketball coach, Kara Lawson, made a statement recently we all need to apply. It was spoken to her team but is practical for all. It follows.
“We all wait in life for things to get better.”
“It will never get easier. What happens is you handle it better. That’s a mental shift that has to occur in your brain.”
“And the second we see you handling stuff, handling hard better, What are we going to do?” We are going to make it harder because we’re preparing you for when you leave here.”
“So make yourself a person who handles hard well. Not somebody who’s waiting for the easy.”
“Because if you have a meaningful pursuit in life, any meaningful pursuit in life if you want to be successful, it’s going to be the people who handle hard well.”
“Those are going to be the people who get the stuff they want.”
“Don’t get discouraged through this time if it’s hard. Don’t be discouraged. It is supposed to be and don’t wait for it to be easy.”
“So make yourself someone who handles hard well and then whatever comes to you, you’re going to be great.”
In effect, the coach is saying that each tough issue toughens us for tougher ones to come. When you handle a tough issue, pause and thank God. It is show and tell time for Him.
Jesus lived a perfect life and it was not easy for Him. Don’t expect it to be for you. Keep in mind the God who knows your load limit, limits your load. He will never give you more than he gives you the ability to handle. With the understanding the word “temptation” in the following Scripture can be understood to also mean trials. Take it as being relevant to you.
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (I Corinthians 10:13)
What you face is not new. It is common to people, others face the same things. Claim the offering by which the Scripture concludes: “….He will provide a way….” Then comes the high note of hope, “….that you can endure….”
With that assurance you can stomp the head of your problem. Be assured that no matter what is to come the Lord will graciously see you through it. It might not be easy, but it won’t be any tougher than you are tough.
Tough times don’t last, but tough people do.
As God said to and through Isaiah: “do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41: 10)