“Accept the pain and get ready for success,” some wise person once wrote. Somehow struggling is good for us. We know that in order to build stamina in our bodies we need to exercise our muscles and lungs. “No pain, no gain,” they say. That should not translate into being a masochist but into being willing to put in whatever effort is required to complete a task on the road to success. In the process we learn patience, endurance, experience and a host of other great character traits.

The Bible tells us even Jesus learned obedience and was made perfect by what He suffered (Hebrews 5:8-9). He did not seek misery and suffering, but when He saw there was no other way, He did not hesitate. It is good to use wisdom and efficiency in all we do so that needless pain is avoided. But not being willing to struggle even if pain is present is a sure recipe for failure. Let’s succeed.