During conference tournament championships this weekend, and then over the next few weeks throughout the NCAA Tournament, college basketball coaches will talk to sideline reporters to share thoughts about their team’s win.

Often, what they say during March Madness is much more reflective and honest because of all the excitement and emotion.

Here are a few common replies from coaches, regardless of the program or the level of notoriety:

“This was such a huge win for our school when you consider all we’ve been through this year.”

“This group of guys has overcome so much during the season and this win is so sweet.”

“This team has persevered through injuries, personal matters, and tough losses, and this win means so much.”

The reason we’ll most likely hear these types of comments is that every team, every year has its challenges, struggles, and hurdles to overcome.

Throughout the season, a player always gets injured or something happens off the court or a team loses a surprising game. Now, during the tournament, all of the challenges are put into perspective and the coaches explain what they’ve been through during the journey.

This reminds me of a similar reality in our own lives. Everyone is going through something – facing challenges, dealing with injuries, or getting hit with surprising losses.

This is important to recognize because when we buy the lie that we’re the only one struggling or our trials are so much worse than everyone else’s, that mindset can send us into deep despair. We mistakenly believe that nobody understands and nobody can relate to what we’re dealing with.

The truth is, however, we’re going to continually encounter trials and tribulations in life and we shouldn’t be surprised when trouble hits. We need one another to lean on when we face difficulties and learn from those who are walking or have already walked a similar path.

Thankfully, there’s comfort in knowing we’re not the only ones, and just like every team in the NCAA tournament has their own story from an up and down season, so do we.

Jesus gives us hope when He says in John 16:33 (AMP), “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace. In the world, you have tribulation and distress and suffering, but be courageous [be confident, be undaunted, be filled with joy]; I have overcome the world.” [My conquest is accomplished, My victory abiding.]”

A coach can put the struggle of the season into perspective following a victory. Likewise, we can view hardships and troubles from a position of victory because of Jesus. We’re able to do this throughout each step of the journey since we’ve already won by being in Christ. Keeping that perspective allows us to persevere.

Today, as we cling to the truth found in 1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG), let’s be encouraged to know we’re not the only ones:

“No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; He’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; He’ll always be there to help you come through it.”

I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I don’t like having to go through trials and challenges, but thank you for allowing me to find peace in Jesus as I persevere. I’m grateful I can view my struggles from a place of victory. In Jesus’ name, I pray Amen.