Adventure Bible Family Devotions

Gutting It Out

Danny stood on the soccer field in the pouring rain. I’m freezing out here! he thought. But he didn’t let the weather distract him. “Keep your head in the game,” he muttered to himself, focusing on the action downfield. Danny had been in this situation before. The first time was when he started playing soccer, in first grade. He’d just stood there shivering, wishing he could go home. But Danny had grown up a lot since then.

Now a player from the other team was driving the ball toward him, chased by two of Danny’s teammates. Out of the corner of his eye, Danny spotted another member of the other team running down the sideline. Danny saw the pass coming and dashed to intercept it. Immediately he blasted the ball downfield, knowing that one of his teammates was open near the goal. His teammate took the pass, made a quick shot, and scored.

When things get tough, in sports or in school or in life, hang in there and stay focused. Quitting will get you nowhere. But gutting it out, with God’s help, will build up your character. And having inner strength will give you hope as you face the future.

Bible Verse: Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. – James 1:2-3

Words to Treasure: Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. – Romans 5:3-4