“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” James 1:2-4
A recent Runner’s World article titled “The Boring, Brutal Truth: You Have to Run Faster to Run Faster” (February 9, 2026) puts it plainly: “Sometimes it’s just that simple. While not every runner aims to speed up, those who do must train at faster paces. Easy, slow miles build endurance by boosting mitochondria—the cell’s energy powerhouses—making you more efficient. But to become quicker, you have to push into discomfort, running harder than feels natural.”
Progress demands getting comfortable being uncomfortable.
This principle extends far beyond the track—to our spiritual race. Scripture doesn’t say “if” trials come, but “when.” We are to “count it all joy” in them, knowing the testing of our faith produces patience—the Greek word hupomone, meaning active endurance under pressure. It’s not passive waiting, like sitting quietly in a doctor’s office, but the steadfast resolve to press on through intense pain toward the finish line. At its core, hupomone pictures remaining under a heavy load without escaping, choosing to endure. Ancient thinkers called it the “queen of virtues,” the frame of mind that steadfastly bears up.
This virtue doesn’t develop overnight. It grows slowly—often over years or decades—through diverse tests and tribulations. We must let patience complete its work, maturing our character until we lack nothing we need for godly living. Trials, though painful, become God’s wonderful tool, refining us even when they feel unbearable.
I’ve faced many trials that tested my limits—some seemed like they might break me. Yet none were wasted. They built my faith, drew me closer to Christ, and deepened my love for Him beyond words. Today I thank God for every past hardship and commit to rejoicing in future ones. I trust He uses them for my good and His glory—often revealing their purpose only in hindsight. I have zero doubts about God’s promises!
“And we KNOW that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
Charles Spurgeon captured this beautifully:
“I have looked back to times of trial with a kind of longing, not to have them return, but to feel the strength of God as I have felt it then, to feel the power of faith…to hang upon God’s powerful arm as I hung upon it then, and to see God at work as I saw Him then.”
So, get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Count it pure joy when trials arrive. It won’t feel pleasant to your flesh, but what they produce in your soul will always be worth the pain. They forge endurance, maturity, and Christlikeness. They make us more able to live for our Divine Purpose!
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for using trials for our good. When we don’t understand our circumstances, help us patiently endure, looking to You for comfort and peace. Teach us to embrace hardship, knowing it shapes us more into Your image. In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.
Happy Running!
Melissa Sharp is an ultra runner and running coach who has completed more than 100 marathons and ultra marathons. Melissa has learned how to keep running the race of life for the glory of Christ even though she endured decades of domestic abuse. Melissa is a survivor. Through her daily blog thejoyfilledrunner she inspires others to live in the strength of Christ.
