Sidelined

Sometimes I have this dream about a big game. I’m prepared, ready, yet something’s missing. It could be I forgot my shoes, have the wrong uniform, or something is preventing me from getting into the game. The familiar dream began after a career-ending injury. You never know what the next day may bring, so play each day for the Lord. Adversity comes in various ways. Injuries are an area most athletes have to deal with at one point or another. Many are lucky and with God’s help play through an injury. However, it is hard to suffer an injury that requires rehabilitation or may take us out for the season. Satan brings thoughts of, Why me? Why give me this talent and take it away? Thoughts of quitting creep in. God does not want us in pain; it is a result of our sinful world. God wants us to make the best of an unfortunate situation. Although Job was not an athlete, remember that even though everything was taken away, his story ended with a blessing.

Sometimes our plans for athletic success do not go as planned; but God can use the bad for good. As a three-sport athlete in high school, I had scholarship offers until my career-ending injury, but God gave me other opportunities in sports I had never dreamed of and at elite levels I had only once hoped to achieve. He loves us and wants the best for us. Turn to Him and expect great things.