Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
— James 1:12
James 1:12 reminds us that endurance is part of the journey.
It’s not always the easy days that shape us the most—it’s the ones when we have to push through uncertainty, hardship, and even suffering. Faith, like running, is built in the moments when we keep going despite the challenges.
One of the running sayings I use a lot, which I heard from my friend and coach Ryan Carroll, is this:
“Runners don’t get rained out. They get rained on!”
I don’t mind a good rain run, though I do perfer to have the rain happen after I start. Sometimes, even if it is already raining I know a run will help me feel better—mentally, emotionally, and physically.
That doesn’t mean running in the rain is always pleasant. It’s not the most ideal of situations. And I’ve even gotten yelled at by my wife for doing a speed workout in a thunderstorm (she did have to drive around our neighborhood to find me).
But there’s something about pushing through discomfort that makes me feel stronger. Rain runs remind me that I don’t have to wait for perfect conditions to move forward. Life, like running, isn’t always comfortable or convenient. If we only take steps when the sun is shining and the path is clear, we miss out on opportunities to grow.
The rain might fall, the road might be tough, but each step forward strengthens us.
If you’ve ever finished a hard run—especially one in tough conditions—you know the feeling of accomplishment that follows. It’s a reminder that you’re capable of more than you think. The same is true in our spiritual lives. When we endure difficulty with faith, we’re not just surviving; we’re becoming stronger, more resilient, and more deeply connected to the God who walks (and runs) with us through every storm.
So the next time life feels like a downpour, remember: You don’t have to get rained out. Just keep going.
Safety Tip:
Always make sure someone has your location when running in unpredictable weather!
Lent Photo-A-Day
For the Whole Series
Don’t forget their will be no devotion on Sunday, keep tuned in for the series to continue on Monday.