Weekly Devotion September 25, 2023

 

This Devotion was written by Sportsmen Devotional and posted with permission

Bible Study Verse: James 1:2-4 

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (ESV) 

Thoughts: If you want to be tested physically and emotionally, then sign-up for a 12.5- mile Tough Mudder course. I had never run more than a mile during my life to earn the presidential fitness award in gym class. Many years had passed, and somehow, I talked a half-dozen younger men into joining me to train for this physical challenge. Three months out, one mile, three miles, and then six miles of running. The Tough Mudder hype-man got us revved up on this cold and rainy morning. Our course was already tough and in the rain it would be even harder. I set a personal distance record, making it nine miles before my knee gave out, because of the strain of running in muddy and slippery conditions, as well as being stressed from the various obstacles we had to overcome. Mental stress, physical stress, confidence breakers, not to mention the freezing cold ice plunges we had to encounter. It seemed like every other obstacle there was an ice bath waiting for us. And if that wasn’t bad enough, they would occasionally shock you as you were infantry crawling under barbedwire. This was in the early days of the Tough Mudder phenomenon and before they started softening the course a little, because of the friendly legal advice from their neighborhood lawyer. As a former lead adventure guide, I was no stranger to grueling tests like hiking the Grand Canyon, the Appalachian Trail, and other challenging adventures, but this course was a different test for me. And it pushed me to my limits as my body seized up in the freezing rain. I finished the course, but the last 3.5 miles were painful. 

Action Point: Life is hard. Living that is honoring to Christ is challenging. Fighting off temptation can sometimes feel unrelenting. Your fiery trial is not uncommon to your brothers around the world encountering the same issues, so know that you are not alone. It’s in moments like this when we learn more about ourselves and our Savior. Find men to lean on, like the men I did, to help you finish the course. It’s perspective men! Take one step at a time. Remember, it’s a marathon. Not a sprint. Let Christ sanctify you daily and let the burn produce steadfastness, perseverance, and endurance. You got this! 

Sportsmen’s Tip of the Day: Hunting elk in the mountains, chasing around antelope in the rolling foothills, and participating in a grueling confidence course can put strain on your body. Stay hydrated, eat banana’s for potassium to minimize cramping, and find ways to replace the electrolytes your body is losing through sweat. Salty trail mix is another great option.