Any athlete can testify to the fact of how horrible a hard fought loss feels. It's almost nothing worse than pouring it all out during the burning heat of competition, only to be rewarded with an "oh-so-close." But the one thing that probably does sink a little lower is being hampered by an injury during the battle; then having to leave your teammates to finish the job because your body won't allow you to. Instead of your will being imposed on the field it's only imposed in your mind...as you watch, and wait, and wait...until you reach the even more challenging road to recovery. Since your healing began, one of your most repeated prayers was to not just be a remnant of your former self. You hoped to still be as quick...as strong...as explosive...as dominating. During rehab the physicians tell you you're ahead of schedule, so you feel great. Your practices appear to be productive and supportive of your comeback, so you feel better than great. Yet there's still one more thing to conquer - your mind. See the thing is, does your brain...with the memory of the painful injury...still trust the ability of your body, or is it hurt like your knee. You see, that's the difference between being an Adrian Peterson or a Derek Rose.
So we've got two exceptional athletes in their respective sports. Adrian Peterson, a Pro Bowl running back with the Minnesota Vikings and Derek Rose, an All-Star point guard for the Chicago Bulls were at the top of their games in 2011; only to be sudden struck down by severe injuries. In the history of both the NFL and the NBA, many regarded their injuries as career ending...but these two studs didn't agree. Both players trained to get back on their job, but then a distinction between the two happened in 2012, when it was time to actually compete. Peterson exploded back on the scene in an incredible fashion and nearly broke the NFL's 28 year-old single season record. Rose however, all though "medically cleared" to ball, never did for the entire season. And he received harsh criticism from media and fans alike; all making an assumption that quite possibly was true - his body was ready, but his head was still injured.
And then we've got us. We didn't get that job we've been working, applying, and believing God for. Or we got dismissed from a position we were great at because of budget cuts. Or we didn't get that house because of a less-than-desirable credit score. We've experienced family loss, social disappointment, and financial failure. We got injured. It's real easy to watch others ball out during the season while we ride the bench; telling ourselves "in God's time." Not too difficult to get in the trainers room and stretch, hoping that the coach will call us in. Or maybe just sit it out altogether. But it's much more challenging to be the determined one that says "I will work hard and I will return better than ever." That's the player the Lord desires on his roster. Not the woe-is-me person; He wants the resilient, the dedicated, the true faithful player.
Romans 5:3 tells us to take pride in life's injuries because we know that they will build up the skills we need to be even greater. And the letter to James (chapter 5 verse 11) says that those who endure the unfortunate hurts when living for Jesus are actually blessed. These writings tell us not only to fight past the pain, but if you do you will bounce back better than ever! With that in mind, so what you didn't get the position or you got fired. What are you gonna do now? Wallow? Whine? Nah mane...get back! Continue to do what's necessary and display faith; because your time is already here to step back into the game. Don't neglect your chance because your body is prepared but your head is on injured reserve. Understand, your faith will not prevent all pain. It does, however, provide the power to return with vengeance. And we must to determine to not let a setback close our story. For if we have victory in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:57), we have no business settling for a loss.
Peace
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