Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. Psalm 37:7

Challenges begin and progressively increase as soon as we take our first breath. The old military and sports adage, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” seems to be embossed on the delivery table. As we get older and eventually take our last breath, not only do challenges refuse to go away, they get more complicated, comprehensive, and sometimes overwhelming in magnitude. From personal illness, to marital and family problems, to career changes, to social unrest and wickedness, to international conflict and sudden insecurity through our own governmental shutdown… the beat goes on.  May we be invigorated today with an even deeper and more lasting perspective relative to the inner attitude of “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

The evidence of our potential to be physically and mentally tough when the going gets difficult is indisputable. There are countless stories that focus on people who reached greatness after extraordinary times of challenge. Take for example those who emerge from extreme poverty to become champion entrepreneurs. There are those who overcome economic, social, and racial disadvantage to take their place as great scholars, scientists, or social contributors. Then there are the inspiring stories of achievement such as those who conquer mountains with wheelchairs or marathons with prostheses. Books are written about and movies are made of freedom-fighting war heroes, including those who deeply inspire us by enduring torturous capture.

As lives of these overcomers finally end, only their inspiring stories may continue. It is here, family and friends, that we have an opportunity to be open to the need for being spiritually tough as well. As a matter of conditioning, a simple, yet unique and heart-felt surrender is required.

Of all the heroic and amazing human profiles mentioned, there are none that compare to what the Bible says Jesus Christ, the Son of God, did when He came to earth. From the heights of glory, His humble beginnings of being born to a young woman in a fly swarming stable with filthy animals only begins to portray His incredible mission.

He led a sinless and miraculous life and went to the cross in joy, knowing His unconditional sacrifice of love would have life-lasting consequences. He loved each of us so much that He specifically came to suffer and die for our sinful condition and be resurrected from the dead. He suffered man’s worst indignities and wrath.

It’s true…we need to choose to be tough to get going this week–both physically and mentally. By personally choosing to recognize and submit to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of our lives, we open the sacred place for spiritual grit as well. It’s only in Christ’ s inimitable “toughness” that we can rest and relate completely. That’s the gospel, His Story, the good news, and the only inspiring story with an inherent hope of everlasting life.

So when the going gets tough for us this week, the submitted truly get going by resting in the love of Christ…THAT’S THE PLACE OF VICTORY!

Jer 29:11; Heb 12:1&2