The game was a blowout. I started to go to bed but it was only 8:30. In an effort to not be so blame old I was determined to wait until at least nine p.m. before turning in. Besides, it was the Belk Bowl in Charlotte. We were pulling for the Virginia Tech Hokies but they were down 0-24 at the half. The stadium actually began to empty.

I have no idea what their coach said to them. What would you tell a team that’s played awful for two whole quarters looking miserable on both offense and defense? Apparently he knew they were capable of more and told them so. For after the halftime break the Hokies came out like gangbusters. By the end of the third quarter they were up 27-24. And all those fans who left early were kicking themselves for giving up too soon.

The next morning I asked David the final score since I gave up the ghost before it was over. He said the commentator mentioned that it was one of those games that legends are made of. From that day forward the coach can look at his teams and say, “Remember the Belk Bowl of 2016 when we were down 0-24 at the half and came back to win 35-24? We kept Arkansas from scoring another point after the half! It’s in you to win this game too if you don’t give up!”

Have you ever been so far down that you’ve considered throwing in the towel? Finances were so terrible you had no idea how you’d make it. Or sickness consumed your life to the point where you thought you might die and wished you’d hurry up. That’s the stuff legends are made of.

Perhaps things look so bleak that you can’t imagine pulling out a win. But I’m telling you it’s possible. “Dear brothers and sisters when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your endurance is fully developed, you will be mature and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you.” — James 1:2-5

I remember a time just three years ago when I was too sick to work and David lost his job very unexpectedly. Two days later he wound up in the hospital with kidney stones. That low point in our life was overwhelming. But it was the stuff legends are made of. God provided miraculously for all our needs one day at a time as it would be a solid year and a half before he got another full time job.

Now we are in a different kind of battle as I struggle through cancer treatments with David by my side. Once again the Lord is developing our endurance. I know it’s an opportunity for joy and believe me when I say I’m trying. But to be perfectly honest, I don’t skip through each day as if it’s a joy to be alive.

However, something inside tells me that since God has seen us through so many other trials, surely He will remain faithful in this one too. So we ask for wisdom and endurance and even a little joy, knowing He has a purpose and a plan for our lives. He’s delivered us before. Why in the world would I throw in the towel and give up at half time?

Be encouraged dear friend. Look back at how far you’ve come. There’s a wonderful victory ahead! He knows you are capable of more. It’s in you to win this time too if you don’t give up.

“So if you are suffering in a manner that pleases God, keep on doing what is right and trust your lives to the God who created you, for He will never fail you.” — 1 Peter 4:19

Lynna Clark lives in Salisbury. Read more at Lynna’s Wonderful Life at wordpress.com