When the Work Feels Too Hard: Day One
Day 1: Getting Back Up After the Hit
Devotional
Have you ever watched a football game where the quarterback keeps getting sacked, play after play? The commentators start saying, "He's getting up slower every time." Eventually, even the toughest players wonder how many more hits they can take. Life can feel exactly like this. You try to do the right things, stay faithful, keep showing up for God and others. Yet the hits keep coming - criticism at work, discouragement in relationships, spiritual fatigue that seems to drain your very soul. You start wondering, "How much longer can I keep going?" The Apostle Paul knew this feeling intimately. By the time he reached Corinth, he had been beaten, imprisoned, rejected, and ridiculed. He was physically and emotionally exhausted. Paul had learned to associate Gospel success with personal suffering, creating a cycle that left him weary and questioning whether to continue. But here's what's beautiful about our God: He doesn't abandon His servants when they're weak and fearful. He comes close. He strengthens and refreshes us. Just when Paul was at his lowest point, wondering if he should remain silent, God met him exactly where he was. Your weakness isn't a sign that God has forgotten you. It's often the very place where He shows up most powerfully. When you feel like you're getting up slower each time, remember that God sees every hit you've taken. He knows your weariness, and He's preparing to meet you in it. The question isn't whether you'll face difficult seasons - you will. The question is whether you'll trust that God is with you in them, ready to help you get back up each time.
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.
Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed,
for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. - Joshua 1:9
Reflection Question
What "hits" in your life have left you feeling weary and wondering if you can keep going, and how might God be preparing to meet you in that exact place of weakness?
“Every play he's getting backed up, knocked down, taking some serious hits.
If you're watching on tv, you'll start hearing the commentators say things like,
he's getting up slower every time.
Eventually, even the toughest players have to start wondering, how many more hits can I take?”
- Pastor Mike Mura
Prayer
Lord, I confess that sometimes I feel knocked down by life's challenges. Help me to remember that You don't abandon me in my weakness but draw near to strengthen me. Give me courage to trust that You are with me, even when I'm getting up slower each time. Amen.