Dig Deep and Keep Going

How many of you have run a marathon? We suspect quite a few. Remember those final miles, when you had to reach deep within yourself for the strength to take the next step.

In a marathon, a triathlon, or life itself, there are moments when we must lower our heads and do what needs to be done.

Sometimes we look around and see no easy way forward.

Life may not unfold as we planned or hoped. People we trusted may disappoint us. A relationship may end painfully, or a financial or health crisis may arise without warning. At times, life hits hard and fast.

Fellas, sometimes we must dig deep and keep going.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap the harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

Some problems cannot be solved overnight. We must persevere. 👊

Scripture shows us why this kind of perseverance matters.

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Hebrews 12:1

Let’s be honest: every man reaches a point when motivation fades. We become weary, frustrated with our circumstances, and sometimes angry.

Perseverance is not pretending we are free of fatigue or frustration, nor is it hiding those feelings. It is asking God for the strength and courage to take another step and keep going.

Men, we are called to trust God in the heat of battle. These two verses remind us:

“The battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise—in God I trust and am not afraid.” Psalm 56:3–4

Over the past few months, one of our businesses faced a situation that forced us to dig deep. When others failed to honor their commitments, we had to step in and finish the work. It was not what we planned or wanted, but we knew we had to persevere. There was no easy answer and no one else to take it on.

Were we angry? Yes. Disappointed? Absolutely.

Even so, we had committed to the race, and we knew we had to finish it.

Praying for God’s strength and the support we needed transformed our attitude and our approach to the challenge. Depending on one another also made a tremendous difference and reminded us again of the power of close, trusting relationships. The power of knowing someone had your back.

“Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12

Men, we created Seven24 as a place where God can form relationships that help us finish life’s races. It is a community of men who offer support, encouragement, and practical help when needed. Men who help one another persevere through life’s challenges.

With God at the center, these relationships are unstoppable.

In closing, we are reminded of this practical wisdom from two famous sports figures: “You cannot beat a man who never gives up.” Babe Ruth and “It’s not if you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” Vince Lombardi

As a new week begins, we pray that we all turn to God for strength, wisdom, and discernment as we face life’s challenges. May we also draw strength from the Christian men around us as we carry on and complete the work before us.

Keep charging this week! 👊