Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. — Romans 12:12

A few nights ago I was sitting with my son, Seth, while he did his homework. The math problems were a breeze for him, but then it came time for reading comprehension. He had to read a short story and answer a few questions. He didn’t want to do it. When it came time to answer the three questions, he said he didn’t know. I knew what was happening. He did not want to wrestle with the problem — rereading the questions and article it for better understanding — to find the correct responses. After encouraging him to put in the time and effort, he got it done. A few minutes later, while he was making a snack in the kitchen, I walked up to him and told him, “Seth, sometimes you have to wrestle with the problems. Treat these problems like a boxing or wrestling match. You wouldn’t leave the fight early would you?” The tough guy he is, he looked at me and said “No.” “I didn’t think so,” I told him assuredly. “You would fight to the end.”

Interestingly, school assignments and life share this same principle. Treat your problems like a wrestling match. Do not leave the battle until the bell rings. Many problems people deal with continue to exist because they left the battle early. They don’t face their bank account or credit card balance, will not engage their teenager, refuse to have the tough conversations at work and guess what, there is no progress. Studies have shown that students that suffer through math problems are better at math, not because they are higher skilled, but because they are willing to go to battle. What can you and I learn from these students? The same fortitude that is required for success academically is required for your breakthrough, whatever it may be. You’ve got to stay in the battle.

🧠 What problem in your life are you tempted to walk away from simply because the struggle has lasted longer than you expected? 

What could you learn or discover if you stayed with this challenge a little longer instead of assuming you cannot solve it?

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