In order to excel in any sport, athletes must spend hours and hours in training. And what is true of athletes is also true of artists and musicians. No one achieve excellence in any field without tremendous self-discipline, hours of rigorous training and a willingness to suffer great hardship in order to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves. 
If people who have average abilities must train hard to excel, how much more do those who suffer severe handicaps. There are many athletes who have excelled, even though they have only one leg or one arm. They have disciplined themselves to endure great pain and hardship and have trained themselves to overcome their handicaps.
Satan uses discouragement as a weapon to us Christians. Sometimes we feel that following Jesus is not worth the price. At times like these we need discipline. We need to study God’s Word for encouragement and direction.
1Timothy 4:7-8 Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.