Fans of college football will understand the term, "Spring practice."  This is 20 days of hard hitting practice during the spring months.  Here is where football players we're made.  We practiced Monday, Wednesday and scrimmaged on Saturday.  The 19th practice was in shorts and the 20th practice was the orange and white game.  I'm not sure if there we're any players who looked forward to spring practice. 

Why did the coaches put us through such physical practices?  Several reasons:
1.  If you were injured you had time to heal.
2.  Needed to find out who was willing to pay the price.
3.  Needed to find out who wanted it the worst.
4.  Prepared us for the physical season ahead that fall.

God puts us through times of trails to better prepare us.  Think about Abraham.  God asked him to sacrifice his only son.  Did God know Abraham would be willing to do so?  Of course.  But he needed Abraham to know.  I believe God does the same thing with us.  He is preparing us for the battles that lie ahead.  For every believer who has made it through spring practice (tough times) please understand there is a crown waiting for you.

James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial;because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.