As I write this, the first round of the NHL playoffs is behind us and the second round is underway. There are eight teams still hopeful to win the Stanley Cup - focused on winning the prize. The setbacks and adversity are a normal part of the playoffs, and a successful team will learn from their mistakes, put them behind them, and press forward.
While hockey players are pouring so much effort to win the Stanley Cup - Christians everywhere should be pouring even more effort into seeking Jesus (1 Corinthians 9:24-25, 1 Timothy 6:12). Just as every team will face adversity in the playoffs so each Christian will face adversity in their pursuit of Jesus (1 Peter 4:12-13). Any Christian can probably think of where they’ve faced adversity and trials in their faith; as Christians we can endure, even rejoice in these because God has told us that He will use these to grow us and draw us closer to Him. (James 1:2-4, Hebrews 12:11)
We have an incredible example of perseverance in Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews tells us to "consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart" (Hebrews 12). After being betrayed by one of His disciples, then being abandoned by the other 11, Jesus then was mocked, beaten, and flogged before enduring the cross. When we have a hard time with our trials, we can remember what Jesus went through -- especially considering He did it so we could pursue a relationship with Him, spend eternity with Him, and grow towards perfection.
The apostle Paul recognized that he was not perfect and was not yet in heaven with Jesus - but this was his desire, his prize. He did not let his setbacks or adversity stop him from pursuing it. "I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God's heavenly call in Christ Jesus. Therefore, all who are mature should think this way. And if you think differently about anything, God will reveal this to you also" (Philippians 3:14-15).
If a hockey team can learn from mistakes and grow through adversity because they want to earn a prize that will fade away in time, Christians should even more so learn through our mistakes and grow through adversity as we keep our eyes on a prize that will never fade - the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
What setbacks or adversity have you faced in your faith?
What have you learned from these setbacks and adversity? How have these lessons helped you grow?