I don’t know who first said that. Probably the Marines.

Years ago when Robyn and I owned a personal training facility, we had one particular client (we’ll call her Susan) who’s goal seemed to be the avoidance of pain at all costs. Susan had certain exercises she liked and had a certain level of resistance she would tolerate. Increasing the resistance was out of the question. Week after week, month after month, it was the same thing.

Once in awhile, I would try to sneak in a little extra resistance on an exercise, but Susan would feel it and politely ask that the additional resistance be removed. As you can imagine, Susan’s results were less than stellar because she would not endure the necessary pain.

I really wish there was another way. I really do prefer pleasure and comfort. I don’t like to hurt. But to get faster, stronger, quicker, better or to lose weight and get healthier…pain is required. Just no way around it.

James 1:2-4 says:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

It can be painful when our faith is tested, but it’s the training program for developing perseverance, which leads to maturity.

So how might this look in your life today?

If you need to be more patient, God is not going to zap you with more patience. He’s going to put you in situations that will require patience. If you need to learn to love unconditionally, then God may give you unlovable people to love. If you need stronger faith, He will orchestrate circumstances so you must trust Him.

None of those scenarios are easy. Often they’re painful, just like working out, but whatever you’re facing today–don’t quit. Is it a financial struggle? Loss of a job? A serious illness? A marriage that seems hopeless?

Pain is strengthening your character and conforming you to the image of Christ. Don’t resist it. Don’t run from it. It won’t last beyond what you can bear.

Pain is weakness leaving your body. Pain is also weakness leaving your character.