“Transformation is a process, and as life happens there are tons of ups and downs. It's a journey of discovery -- there are moments on mountaintops and moments in deep valleys of despair” (Rick Warren).

How do you view change?

Change is one of the few things that are guaranteed in this life. I have never met someone who has not experienced change. So what is your view of change: Do you see it as positive or negative?

Without change there is no growth; without change there is no development of character; without change there is no spiritual maturation.

The beauty of change as a follower of Christ is that regardless of the depth, significance, heartache and pain that change requires, we are never alone.

The Holy Spirit is with us every step of the way.

Paul, writing to the church in Rome, says: “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoiced in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:1-5).

If we think only about eternity in light of the destination, we will miss the opportunity to grow, work, live out our faith knowing that in the midst of suffering there is hope, character and endurance!

Athlete, you are not alone in this journey; relish in the process, embrace the process, take hold of the hope and love of Christ, knowing that the Holy Spirit is with you every step of the way.

Reflect: How will you respond when encountering struggles, difficulties, suffering and change? What perspective shift needs to occur to help you see the journey vs. the destination?

The Holy Spirit is with you; trust, hope, and know you are not alone!