Adversity: God’s Strength Not Yours
Bruce Burnett - Hall of Fame Coach
Ready:
“Youths may become faint and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who trust in the LORD will renew their strength. . . .” - Isaiah 40:30-31a
Set:
This verse acknowledges that even the strongest and most youthful people will eventually experience weakness, fatigue and injuries. It highlights the limitations of human strength and the need for reliance on God’s power.
In preparations for the Olympic Games, I put the team through a battery of physical tests to see where their physical strengths and weaknesses were on an elite level. One of the Olympic Team members came to me and requested that he not participate in the testing. I asked him why he would not want to know where his physical strengths were in this phase of training. The athlete replied, “I have been injured since the Olympic Trials and haven’t been able to train like I wanted to. I don’t really want to know how bad my shape is; I only know that I am going to win!” I responded by saying, “Don’t worry about the tests. God has His hand on you while you heal and will help you train smarter not harder. (side note: The athlete did not win Gold but he did win an Olympic Bronze medal.)
Jesus teaches us that strength isn’t just physical, it involves courage, patience and faith. We all would prefer smooth roads with no road blocks or waiting but in this life, especially as an athlete, we will eventually experience both. It is important to remember that through the Scriptures, God gives us encouragement and the strength to persevere through life’s challenges.
No matter what difficulties we face in life, we can draw on the strength of God to get us through. Isaiah 41:10 tells us, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you ad help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Go:
Was there a time when you were injured and couldn’t practice or compete? What did you do when you couldn’t physically workout?
What can you do in your sport to get better without physically practicing?
In what ways can you get better on drawing on God’s strength?
Workout:
Overtime:
“Lord, we know injury, losses and obstacles are coming on the mat and off. Give us the strength that only can come from You to have patience, courage and faith to continue walking with You during those times of adversity. Only Your strength can sustain us. In Jesus’ name, amen.”