A friend shared what it was like to exercise while undergoing radiation therapy, and his experience helps explain how discouragement can help you grow.

Shortly after becoming auxiliary bishop of Baltimore, Bishop Denis Madden was diagnosed with what (thankfully) turned out to be a very treatable cancer. But radiation therapy sapped his strength, and he couldn't scale back his new episcopal duties. So he considered giving up his daily walk. His steps were heavy, so it would have been reasonable to take a break or at least scale back. But his doctors urged him to keep up the same exercise routine.

When the radiation was over, he saw why. When his strength began to return, he was amazed by how easy his walks had become. He felt like he had superhuman strength. In fact, he had far more vitality then he had known long before the radiation began.

What would have happened if he had stopped walking? He would have lost his fitness and it would have been difficult to resume, even after the treatment was over.

So instead of sliding backward, he dug in deeper during his difficulty, and this enabled him to come back stronger than before. During the downturn, he had to find deeper commitment and resolve.

This is what happens when we experience darkness in our lives. The usual comforts are taken away and life is harder. Circumstances, feelings, or failures have caused you to take a few steps back. As a result, the spring in your step doesn't come as naturally anymore.

The temptation is to stop walking altogether. But the imperative, instead, is to find newer and more lasting sources of motivation and inspiration--sources that are not so easily taken away. These are supernatural resources--that is, a means of grace that come from God alone. One you do so, you'll have a firmer foundation and reserves that you didn't have before. This will enable you to have more vitality than you ever knew when circumstances improve.