James Harden

Houston Rockets guard James Harden was inadvertently poked in both eyes by Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors in Game 2 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals. Although in a great deal of pain, Harden was able to finish the game and is expected to be available for Game 3 on Saturday night.

Harden isn’t the only player in the series who is battling against injuries. Golden State’s Steph Curry suffered a dislocated finger in Game 2. Like Harden, Curry is expected to be able to play in Saturday’s contest.

Sometimes you have to compete even though you are in pain. Paul the apostle lists some of the many hardships he endured in 2 Corinthians 6. Included are: beatings, imprisonments, riots, sleepless nights and hunger.

Living for Jesus isn’t always easy. Sometimes you have to endure pain and suffering along the way.