My husband and I have two adult sons and they both enjoyed sports growing up. They played Little League baseball and a little bit into the Babe Ruth level. In high school, they continued with sports and that extended into college as well.
In baseball, we cheered for them to get on first base, then second, and third, and eventually home. In swimming, we cheered during different events like the 50m or the relays. (Side note: I’ve always wondered why spectators cheered so hard, myself included, during swimming events since the swimmers can’t hear being partly under water and with a rubber cap on! :) In cross-country, we went to different parts along the course where we knew would be difficult such as up a steep hill or near the end when the breathing is hard and fatigue has long set in.
Then, it was always exciting when they finished! They did it! They gave it their all and they finished. Sometimes they ranked in the top whatever number it was that mattered for that particular sport or race – top three or top 10; other times they ranked lower, but they always improved. And we always told them, “Great job!” for their effort knowing they truly tried hard.
Through attending all these competitions, I thought about all the different events in my life. Some are celebrations, while others are struggles that I face. There have been accomplishments, and there were “hills” that I climbed that made me so tired. Yet through it all, I know there is One who cheers me on through my accomplishments, but more importantly, is with me through my struggles – my Lord and Savior Jesus. How do I know this? He is there with me because His Word said, “I will never leave or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5b)
When I achieve an accomplishment, I know He is there and is proud of me for my hard work. When someone is unkind to me and I am sad, hurt, and disappointed, I know He is right there telling me that it is okay, that He is with me, and totally understands how I feel. Hebrews 4:15-16 says “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet He did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Jesus Himself was betrayed by someone really close to Him, so I know He can sympathize with me when people are unkind to me. (Matthew 26:69-75)
Philippians 3:12 says “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on…” By all means, it is never easy when we face hard times and I do not immediately overcome the struggles. I feel the pain and I feel the struggles. Like this verse says, I do not have it all together and seek the Lord right away every time. However, when I do seek His help to deal with struggles, I always find Him because He was there all along, and I receive the peace and comfort only He can provide.
In my life situations, when it seems I am “running up a hill”, and feel like I cannot do it, I need to be reminded that I am not alone. Unlike our sons’ athletic events where I as a parent was only allowed to stand at certain points behind the fence or the ropes to cheer, Jesus is always alongside me, everywhere, and cheering me on so that I can continue and finish. Are you struggling or have you struggled and do not know where to turn or how to deal with it? Do you have a relationship with Jesus who can help you through situations? Send me a private message and I would love to chat with you.
Maybe you have never had any struggles. I am happy for you. However, another thing I have learned about sports is that athletes cheer each other on. If you have never had any struggles, you can encourage someone today whom you know is struggling with something. A private message, a text, or a phone call telling them you are thinking of them – or better yet, you are praying for them – makes a big difference. Even if you are struggling, you can still encourage or sympathize with someone. We all need encouragement.
