I have read several books about the journey of guys who became Navy Seals. I have also read several books about ultramarathon runners. I had several goals in reading those books. The first was to learn how those guys could accomplish what they did, and the keys or components of their toughness. I know that they were not simply born that way. They had all learned a skill set, an attitude, and a way of thinking that helped them manage and overcome major roadblocks and physical pain. The second goal was to figure out how to describe what they did and put it into writing in an organized way so that I could apply it to my own life and teach others. The word that I use is endurance instead of toughness or grit; the reason is that it is the word that is used in the Bible, though toughness or grit could both be used in most cases as synonyms. I also studied the life of Jesus as the ultimate example of toughness, but it was easy to see all the similarities between them as they lived life with endurance. Endurance is a key character trait in all of the champions in the Bible, and one that we all need to have to grow and to bear much fruit for God.

Hebrews 12:1-3 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 10:32 But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a significant conflict of sufferings,

Hebrews 10:36 For you need endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.

The first of many principles on how to be tough in the midst of pain and problems is not to will ourselves through it but to think ourselves through it. The way we think about our pain and problems determines whether we will endure or not.