Ever heard the term, "No Pain No Gain?"  This term is often shouted at the Gym I attend, where you see fitness instructors getting people into a desired shape.  The ability to handle pain is often the  determining factor to achieving fitness goals, winning gold medals and celebrating championships! 

Likewise, the outcomes in life are usually determined to whether we handle or avoid it.  Many of us daily face painful and difficult decisions that we try to avoid by procrastinating or by hoping they go away!  Our threshold of pain determines the depth, breadth  and impact of our legacy!

In 1 Corinthians 9:25-27 Paul stated, "25Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. 27No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

Paul had to be willing to beat his body (bring his flesh to submission to the will of God), so that he could attain the prize of being in God's will.

Hebrews 12:2 states that Jesus. who for the joy set before him endured the cross.  Jesus was wiling to endure the pain and torture of the Cross to get us reunited with the Father!  His willingness to endure pain restored our standing with God.

 What about you?  Are you playing it too safe?  Are you avoiding difficult decisions and situations that need to be settled and dealt with?  Remember, your ability to deal with difficulties determine your place as a leader, father. Husband and friend.  Being able to do the difficult things places you on the platform of your life.