Leaving It on the Field

READY...

2 Cor. 4:8 Though we experience every kind of pressure, we’re not crushed. At times we don’t know what to do, but quitting is not an option. 9 We are persecuted by others, but God has not forsaken us. We may be knocked down, but not out.

Simmons, B. (Trans.). (2017). The Passion Translation: New Testament (2 Co 4:8–9). BroadStreet Publishing.

SET...

One of the most exciting and gut-wrenching football games. The home team fought its way back from a ten-point deficit in the final minutes of the fourth quarter and sent the game into overtime. However, an interception destroyed the home team’s effort to win. For what seemed like an eternity, the stands were quiet; no one was quite sure how to respond, but as the team began to leave the field, the fans stood, clapped, and cheered. The home team had lost the game but had captured the  hearts of the fans.

We’ve all heard it said “leave everything on the field.” We play to win, but we are going to lose at times, and we ought not to carry these highs and lows with us afterward. In every area of life we are pressured daily by the demands of the world. Terrible things happen to ourselves and others. At times our faith is severely tested, and often we fail. Jesus is the example we must  follow in difficult times. He taught us not to be anxious but to remember that He is always there during our difficult times. Win or lose, our heavenly Coach knows how we play the game.

GO...

1. How do you respond when you give your all but still came up short? 2. Where do you look for strength during difficult times? 3. Are you “leaving it on the field” in your daily walk with Christ?

WORKOUT...

Extra Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1–15

2 Cor. 5:14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.

The New King James Version. (1982). (2 Co 5:14–15). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

OVERTIME...

Father, help us to give everything we have to You. When the hard times come, teach us that we can lean on You and find comfort. Help us understand that we are winners in Your eyes because Christ succeeded at everything on our behalf. Father, we love You and thank You for loving us. Amen.