(Inside: A prayer for perseverance including specific prayer points for perseverance and bible verses that will help us renew our perspective and strength.)

This season, my son’s basketball team hasn’t won a ton. The whistle blows, shoes squeak, bounces echo and then the scoreboard ruins us.

But hands to the heavens, at the last tournament, his team won three games in a row to claim the overall second place. Even though going into the tournament they’d were super frustrated with their losing streak – they’d been coached to (despite how they feel) keep squaring up their shots, rebounding, and playing solid defense.

So that’s what they did. 

They followed their training and their perseverance paid off.

For me, yesterday went awry and ended with disappointing news about something I desperately wanted to work out. I felt the downward spiral of sinking despair pulling at me.

The sun tucked its rays underneath the earth when I got this news and as the darkness spread, I know that’s when I’m most vulnerable for negativity to stronghold my thoughts. In the morning, it would all seem more hopeful –  I just needed to persevere until the golden rays peek out again.

Coming off of this unexpected win for my son’s team, the tournament was still in my brain. I kept thinking about how those boys – even though they were frustrated going into the game –  kept doing what they were coached to do, and it paid off. 

So, I didn’t give my mind a chance to spin downward; I did what I’ve been coached to do my whole life which brings me peace. I hung out with my family (my happy place), watched laugh-out-loud shows, read an inspirational book, and scheduled good friends to come over (something to look forward to).

And then before I went to sleep, I spent time in prayer for perseverance, focusing on God’s truths. My prayer went something like this…

Dear God,

Help me to know that you are for me – always. In this crazy life – I believe that you consistently have my back. 

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Zephaniah 3:17

Please fill me with your wisdom, which you so generously give. And guide me to find the next small step.

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5

Disappointment has left me tired. Life can be so hard. I ask you to give me the strength and energy to keep going.

“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

Through it all, help me to trust in you and bless me with your peace – the kind of peace that surpasses all understanding. 

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7

And then please help me walk forward with courage and perseverance and faith. 

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Lord, above all, thank you for being a God who loves and cares about us. I’m so grateful to you for who you are and all that you do.

Amen

What about you? Did you just get boxed out? Are you on your last fumes? What do you need to plow through with grit?

Go back to your training. Think about what you’ve been coached to do.

Persevere. Keep working on ball handling and jump shots. Listen to your gut. Find resources and brainstorm solutions. Tell people what you need, pass the ball as you surround yourself with encouragement. Seek inspiration. Invite the Creator’s voice into your life. Take time to think and process. Do something relaxing. Practice faith and take baby steps. 

You got this, friend.

Keep going.

Persist.

Because this is true about life for sure…

At some point, you’ll look up at the scoreboard and see that you’re ahead.

Read the full “Grow Your Grit” Series

When we become moms a light switch is flipped on. In juggling work, family, and household – we grow bolder; we learn to speak up. And somewhere in it all, we find our inner Mama Bear. We grow our determination, knowledge, love, patience, endurance, perspective, wisdom, problem-solving ability – we strengthen our grit. It’s not always easy, though. Growing our grit through motherhood is most definitely a process… Read on…

GROW YOUR COURAGE
Parenting Persuades You to be a More Courageous Mom Every Day
A Mom’s Quick Prayer for Perseverance that Will Lift You Up

FIND PEACE IN THE CHAOS
One Line to Get You Through the Stressed Mom Days

HEAL YOUR HURT
I’m So Hurt: What Healing Sometimes Looks Like
When Life Knocks You Down & You’re Tired of Your Struggle
Miscarriage Grief: 5 Reasons Why a Miscarriage is so Emotionally Painful

EMBRACE CHANGE
Find Hope Now in the Story of a Mom Who Didn’t Want Change

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