Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. —
James 1:2-5
Sports can teach us a lot of valuable life lessons. Sometimes we buy into the idea that if we do all the right things, we are guaranteed immediate success. The problem is that sometimes this is true. The outcome matches the execution and the goal. However, in sports, as well as in life, success is not always guaranteed.James 1:2-5
For instance, if you bring a smothering perfectionism to the golf course, you will probably leave with a higher handicap and a lousy disposition, because your game will never meet your expectations. You can make the perfect golf swing and end up in the woods or sand bunker. A footballer can kick the perfect penalty and the goalkeeper tips it over the bar; analogies are limitless.
So what do we do when the outcome does not match expectation? We must accept that in sports, as in life, outcomes don’t end the way we always hope. A player may miss a penalty kick, but his team may eventually win the match. You don’t have to win every battle to win a war. Some short-term outcome may be bad, but keep your eye on the big picture. As you set off to achieve your goals for this New Year, some short-term results may not be what you hoped for, but don’t be discouraged. Learn the lessons that need to be learned and move on.
You and I need to keep the big picture in mind when short-term outcomes don’t turn out well. The Bible calls this perseverance. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him” (James 1:12).
Prayer:
Thank you Lord, for your plan to ultimately bring me to a perfect end. Help me focus on the big picture.Scriptural Reading:
James 1:1-6
#YearOfWisdom
