Fight the good fight
I had so much fun this weekend. Soccer was on the menu, and three grandchildren were playing their hearts out. It’s not unusual for me to watch four or five games a weekend. I bring a battered old chair and plop myself down next to my family, shouting, praying, and encouraging my grandkids after every match. It’s heavenly, unnerving, and exciting. I’d love to say we won all three tournaments, but that would be a lie. To tell you the truth, competition is shaping their characters.
I didn’t have that support when I was young. My dad was busy at work, and my mom had a middle ear disease. So I played every game without family support and bummed a ride home after every game. I look back on those memories with tears but also with gratitude…my life made me tough, and God helped me along the way.
Emotional resilience and toughness are so important right now. The Bible encourages us to “Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:3, NIV)
Jesus was an emotional rock star who can become a daily inspiration for you. He said, “...‘If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.’” (Matthew 16:24, NKJV) Emotional stability and resilience are some of the most important character qualities we can work on and pray for.
During my personal trials, I’ve been looking for people to inspire me with their resilience. Today, I found it in two of my grandkids. One had limited play in a loss the day before but returned with a new passion and determination today. I loved it. I’ve often said it’s not what happens to you that matters the most but what happens through you.
My other grandson made it to the championship round with his team, but he was exhausted from 12 straight days of tournaments and travel. He was doing his best, but I noticed his fatigue. The clock was ticking away in the final half when all of a sudden, he found the strength to score a goal. I could tell that he scored from sheer determination. Down one goal with just moments left, he again battled through a few defenders to score the tying goal. We shouted and gave high fives, and something stirred deep in my heart and spirit: the courage to keep fighting.
friend, I’m not sure what you are going through…perhaps the loss of freedoms, health, finances, or relationships. But I’m praying that you will pick up your cross and follow the King. Look for people who inspire you, and become an inspiration to others. That’s how you become a miracle!
