“If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you.” — John 15:19
Playing at an opponent’s home stadium can be challenging. But at least you know what to expect. The environment will be a little more hostile, the calls might not go in your favor, the majority of the people watching are pulling for the other team. When you’re playing an away game, you know you have to focus a little harder and dig a little deeper.
In John 15:18-27, Jesus is telling His disciples (and us) that the world is against them. In sports terms, He is telling them that the life of faith is an away game. Jesus’ words have the aroma of someone who knows exactly how His disciples feel. He is essentially saying, “Hey, this is going to be hard. The rest of the world is not going to make it easy on you. But remember, they did the same to me. I am here with you through it all.”
WARM-UP
Describe an experience you have had playing on someone else’s home field. What was it like? Were you prepared for the moment?
WORKOUT
Practicing Resiliency
What does it look like, practically, to be resilient when trials come in a way that honors God? The playbook for remaining in God during times of adversity is found throughout all of Scripture. We see it clearly in 2 Chronicles 20.
There is an alliance of nations marching against Judah to make war and the enemy forces are about 30 miles outside Jerusalem when King Jehoshaphat hears about it. What would you do in that situation?
Here are some wise options: Get the archers to the top of the city walls, inform the generals to gather Judah’s army, fortify the walls, make sure the vulnerable are somewhere safe. All of those are good options, right? But Jehoshaphat embodies a different way of responding to hardship. Scripture says, “Jehoshaphat was afraid, and he resolved to seek the Lord. Then he proclaimed a fast for all Judah” (2 Chronicles 20:3). In that single verse we see from Jehoshaphat that resiliency is not the absence of fear, but the ability to lean into God and move forward despite it. In verse 12, Jehoshaphat declares to God in prayer in front of his people “We do not know what to do, but we look to you.”
It’s worth reading all of 2 Chronicles 20 but here is the spoiler alert: God comes through and saves the people of Judah.
Instead of pushing forward in his own strength, King Jehoshaphat chose to keep his eyes fixed on God, showed vulnerability, and asked for help. King Jesus did the same thing.
Q: Think of the last time you were in a stressful situation during competition. How did you handle it?
Q: How can leaning into God help you in competition and life?
Following Jesus’ Lead
We prove we are Jesus’ disciples when we follow Him. And one of the ways He leads us is by embodying what it looks like to face adversity in a way that honors the Father.
In Matthew 26, Jesus knows that His crucifixion is close and He asks His disciples to keep watch while He prays. As He leaves the twelve to huddle up with the Father, He is grieved to the point of death (Matthew 26:38). While we don’t have the full account of what Jesus shared, the few snippets of vulnerability from Him prove valuable to us. He prays, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39).
Even though His disciples didn’t hear the prayer, it was one they would have been familiar with. Jesus prayed the same way He taught His disciples to pray: “Our Father…your will be done” (Matthew 6:9–10).
We prove that we’re His disciples when we respond to hardships like Jesus—with a heart posture that admits our state of weakness, our honest desires, and ultimately, our trust in God over all of it.
This world is not our home. We’re strangers. We’re playing an away game against an opponent who will stop at nothing to secure victory over us. And with that reality comes the certainty of trials and struggles. When they come (not if they come), commit yourself to running to and remaining in the Father, just like Jesus did.
Q: Why do you think God wants us to talk with Him when life gets difficult?
Q: When hardships come what is your typical response?
WRAP-UP
We’re proven through being resilient in the face of hardship.
Jesus promised that our love for Him would put us at odds with much of the world.
When we go through trials, we grow in resiliency by following Jesus’ lead and going straight to God in prayer.
God gives us freedom to ask boldly and honestly, but with a desire for His will to be done.
Key Action: Study John 17:6-26. In this Scripture, Jesus prays for His disciples and all believers. How can His prayer comfort us?