The 22nd mile of the marathon can be excruciating. You’ve come so far, but it seems like the finish line is still an eternity away. Discouragement gets into your mind. You start to question every decision you’ve made to get here. Your muscles ache, your mind is out of options, and you are alone with the sound of your own heartbeat.

This is the moment that shapes your character. It wasn’t signing up or starting the race that defines you; it’s this moment.

Life has these moments, lots of them. And they get more complex and difficult to overcome as you progress. The days you’ve come so far, but there isn’t relief in sight. Your head is down and your body is refusing to continue. Mothers, fathers, teens, students, employees, CEOs, church leaders, everyone has these moments.

What you do in the crucible of exhaustion and discouragement will have impact on every second afterwards. Choose endurance. Choose to continue. Choose cheerfulness. Look at all life can throw at you and smile at it, knowing that you’ve had the strength to win inside you all along.