Author Scott Reall says that when pursuing any goal, there’s a difference between training and trying.

Many have tried, for instance, to quit smoking. They last a few days or weeks, but then they fail. They try again but allow failure to demoralize them. Eventually, they give up trying altogether.

But the athlete who goes into training looks at failure differently.

If he doesn’t meet a workout goal, he still gets up the next morning to begin again. If he loses a competition, there’s still the next game or the next season. What feels like failure to one who tries is just one part of the process to the person who trains.

What about our pursuit of God?

So many of us only try to pray for His provision, protection, strength, and guidance. We try to obey and remain faithful, but we fail. And some give up altogether.

But if you get up every morning seeking God like an athlete seeks a championship, then each failure only serves to remind you of your ultimate goal: a Christ-filled life.

Don’t give up. Keep seeking God with all your heart, and the victory of the sanctified life will be yours.