Find The Faith To Tackle Life's Biggest ChallengesSýnishorn

Perseverance and Motivation

When I arrived at Penn State, I saw a different world. Everyone seemed happy. It took a while for me to let my guard down and stop looking over my shoulder like I did at home in Wilmington. 

I loved Penn State, but I also felt the incredible demands of the physical training at the college level. In the beginning I hurt so bad I called my dad. “I don’t know if I can do this,” I said. He was dead serious about not letting me quit. When I went back day after day, it wasn’t quite as bad. I started to get more comfortable with the Penn State style of training, and I started doing really well. If I had quit, if my dad hadn’t been firm in pushing me to persevere, God’s plans to use football in my future would not have been fulfilled.

I occasionally found myself saying little prayers in my mind whenever I was called off the bench. One day I distinctly remember praying, “God, please protect me as I go back in there.” And I blew my knee out. I wound up cursing God in my mind: I prayed for you to protect me right before I went in for this play, and you didn’t! If you loved me, you would have answered my prayer! There is no way that you love me, God! My small faith was being tested in big ways.

For my first year, there would be no football. From that day forward, every morning, it would be my job to go to rehab and then hit the gym. I had to force myself to remember that I’d made it through injuries before and to believe that I could get through this one as well. God helped me to see what was true and not just react with emotion. Once I did that, I apologized to God for overreacting. I prayed and promised Him, “I will never lose faith in you or blame you ever again no matter what obstacles are put in my way.” I was learning what God’s love really looked like.

During my second year, I broke my lower leg during training camp. This time I didn’t curse God. This was another test, another obstacle, from which I would continue to learn patience and persistence. I did my best to focus on the fact that I was grateful—it helped me keep my head on straight. But it wasn’t easy and I slipped up along the way.

A girl I dated in high school came to visit, one thing led to another, and she became pregnant. I wasn’t thinking about what I’d learned at church as a child, I was just being selfish and impulsive. When Leah came into the world, I knew somewhere deep down in my soul that I needed to be the best father I could be. My whole reason for being suddenly felt bigger. My focus sharpened and providing for her was all that mattered. 

Respond

When have you wanted to give up under the pressures of life?

What motivates you to persevere and trust God? Who helps you keep your head on straight?

What circumstances or challenges have helped you be less selfish and focus on the bigger picture God has for you? What does this show you about God’s love for you?