West Point is America's historic military academy. It produces world-class leaders to serve our military and the country.

As you might imagine, admittance to West Point is extremely difficult. 

Each year 14,000 high school students begin the application process; only 2500 of those meet West Point standards and then only 1200 of those are accepted.

For new cadets, the first 7 weeks at West Point are the most intense period of their education. The 7 week intensive program is called BEAST BARRACKS (or just BEAST). For almost 2 months, the new cadets spend 5am - 10pm being trained and tested in this program. 

Beast Barracks is not for the weak. By the end of the 7 weeks, 71 students will drop out of West Point. In addition, over the following years 1 in 5 cadets will drop out of the academy.

The intense requirements of West Point push each cadet to their limit and locate their weaknesses. The question for each cadet is, "How will you continue during adversity?"

In the Old Testament, King David is pushed to his limits when his own son, Absalom, raises a rebellion and forces the King of Israel to flee Jerusalem barefoot.

The question for David is, "How will you continue during adversity?"

Instead of relying on his own strength, David turns to the Lord in prayer.

David writes, "I cried aloud to the LORD and he answered me from his holy hill" (Psalm 3.4).

Instead of trying to persevere in his own strength, David turns to the Lord in prayer and finds peace, strength, and rest.

The question for you is how will you continue during adversity?

Will you rely on your own strength or will you turn to the Lord in prayer and find peace, strength, and rest?