Mick Cronin’s first season as the UCLA head basketball coach wasn’t going to plan when he tore into his players after a loss to rival Stanford dropped them below .500 for the season.

“When the going gets tough, we don’t have a lot of guys who get going. When the going gets tough, we have some guys who will fold. We lack toughness. As the game goes on, our softness shows up,” Cronin continued. “Our selfishness at times is evident, and it’s been probably to people who have watched us all year on the offensive end, some of the shots we take and the turnovers because certain guys don’t want to pass the basketball.”

Acts 13 – Dealing with Hardship

Cronin isn’t the only coach who has used the phrase, “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” It’s probably one of the most used phrases in coaching. As we move into Acts 13, the early church is also faced with hardship and disappointment that required toughness.

Acts 13 begins with Paul’s first of three missionary journeys that make up the rest of the Book of Acts. On their first stop in Cyprus, they run into a sorcerer named Simon. Paul and Barnabas face opposition from him and other government officials as they spread the gospel. When they preached in the synagogue, their message was rejected by Jews who were fearful and jealous, but some Gentiles believed. Eventually, they were tossed out of the city, but their toughness kept them moving to the next town.

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete balance healthy optimism and realism when the season becomes difficult. They also teach their players how to deal with hardship and disappointment when things go badly. They know an unrealistic perspective can lead to their team falling apart. However, healthy idealism or optimism expects challenges and setbacks. Hence, the players are better prepared to deal with adverse circumstances.

Journaling helps you understand and respond to the Bible. As you journal, use the acronym HEAR to Highlight, Explain, Apply, and Respond to what you have read in the reading plan.

Bible Memory Verse – For so the Lord has commanded us, ‘I have placed you as a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the end of the earth.’ And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.” Acts 13:47-48 (LSB)

Click HERE for the Kingdom Sports Minute on Required Toughness