For Reflection
Marathon Suffering
How does the preacher use his Philadelphia Marathon training and race story to show that hard things can have a purpose beyond the pain itself?
Follow Along Live
Why We Do Hard Things
Chad Stuart
•August 1, 2026
Before You Press Play
Watch for how he connects the Philadelphia Marathon, the school on 198, and the coming church building to one big theme: enduring hard things so others can hear about Jesus and be saved.
Running a marathon is a hard thing.
— Hard Things Have a Purpose
For Reflection
Why Endure?
When he says he endures everything 'for the sake of the elect,' what reason does he give for suffering in gospel work?
The church is Christ's appointed agency for the salvation of men.
— Why the Church Sacrifices
For Reflection
School and Salvation
Why does he say the church invested in the school, supported it with tithes and offerings, and kept going through the frustrations and cost?
For Reflection
Building or Being the Church
How does he contrast building a church building with being the church, and what mission does he say the church exists for?
The singular job description of a disciple is to make other disciples.
— Disciples Make Disciples
For Reflection
Witnessing as a Commission
What does he say the global church's One Voice 27 initiative is trying to awaken believers to do, and why is that hard?
For Reflection
Personal Witness
Where does he challenge listeners to look in their own lives for opportunities to make disciples, such as with children, classmates, coworkers, and neighbors?
Brothers and sisters, we are the spies on the edge of the promised land.
— On the Edge of the Promise
For Reflection
Caleb, Joshua, and Courage
How does the story of Caleb and Joshua in Numbers 13 show the difference between fear-filled reports and faith-filled witness?
For Reflection
Hard Things in Your Life
How does he say your suffering through financial, health, or emotional hardship can become a testimony that leads someone else to salvation?
But the greatest story is actually as you guys go through your hard things and you tell people, but Jesus is still alive and he's still on the throne and he still will make all things new.
— The Greatest Story
For Reflection
Hope in Jesus
How does he connect Jesus making all things new with hope for bodies, relationships, and the future when the church faces hard things?
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Prayer
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You that You are with us always, even to the end of the age. Help us endure hard things, witness boldly, and trust that You will make all things new. Amen.