He Is with Us

As summertime comes to a close and a fresh season of school and competition begins, there are many changes right around the corner. Sometimes a new season is just what we need, and we’re ready to jump into practice and a new schedule. Other times, a new season can often be daunting--a new school, a new sport or a new team can feel like a challenging and difficult adjustment. As a competitor with this new season on the horizon, you were not meant to do it alone, you’re going to need strength, and you’re going to need God.

The way God cares for each one of us is with the deepest love and greatest strength; He chose to come to earth and be with us in the form of Jesus. In the story of the demon-possessed boy, Jesus was the only one who could fully heal him. He loved the boy in a way that only He could. In just a few simple words, the boy was fully healed; Jesus took his hand and helped the boy on his feet. This is who Jesus is--He is with us, He sees us, He heals us and He helps us back onto our feet so we can stand in strength.

As competitors, we cannot depend on our own strength to perform well. Our bodies crave good training, fuel to sustain us and a great leader to push us forward and encourage us—otherwise, we’re bound to fail. Do not enter to this new season or school year convinced that you can do it alone, because when you find yourself weak, Jesus is the only One with the perfect strength to take you by the hand and raise you up to stand again. God has made a promise to stay with you and to not to leave you.

Before this season begins, remember that God is with you. Take Mark 9:27 and put your name into the verse: “But Jesus took _____ by the hand and helped him [or her] to his [or her] feet and he [or she] stood up.”

Believe it--you can stand firm in this season because God is with you!