One of an athlete’s greatest setbacks can be an injury that keeps them out of competition. But if the athlete doesn’t take the necessary time to heal, go through physical therapy, and rest, they will not only be weaker, but they could actually do more harm to themselves.

We will face struggles and setbacks in our journey, but how do we deal with them? How do we overcome hurdles the right way? The healthy way? And what is our end goal anyway? What lies at the finish line? How do we know when we’ve made it? How do we know we’re on the right journey?

Scripture: Hebrews 12:2b-3, Hebrews 12:14-16, John 15:10-17

Questions for Reflection:

• What shame is holding onto you and how can you move through it with honesty and vulnerability?

• How does your life’s journey match up with the checklist in Hebrews 12:14-16?

• What does true joy look like? What does a world fully connected to each other and God look like? And what action are you taking to make it happen?