No pain, no gain. That’s how we used to train. Training to become relentless requires hard work and sacrifice. Yet sometimes the results do not bring home the hardware or the trophy.

One begins to ask the question, “How long, Lord?” How long before the workouts pay off; how long before my success is achieved? We may be inclined to endure a measure of pain with patience, but we seek relief when we come to the place where we see no success nor perceive any light at the end of the tunnel.

Consider what the psalmist says – Lord, I feel forgotten by You. I feel, Lord, that You have hidden your face. I wrestle with sorrow and defeat, and yet, in my trouble, I still look to You, not away from You. I still direct my concern to You and no other.

Lord, You are still the source of my hope. Even in the vortex of my crisis, Lord, You are still my answer. Therefore, the question, “How long, Lord?” reveals the flickering hope that God will still come through and deliver — not if, but when.

Reflect: Have you ever wanted to quit or give up? If so, how did God challenge or change you? Do you ever wonder and get tired of working out? If so, how do you manage the crisis?