P A I N

Mark 14:35-36

What is there about your life in sport that is so difficult or painful that you wish it would just go away?  Maybe it’s a nagging injury, the pain of mounting losses or strained relationships with coaches or teammates.  Any of these can rip the joy from life.

Jesus faced a similar situation, but the consequences were far greater.  We read about it in Mark chapter 14 and verses 35 and 36, “Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.  ‘Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you.  Take this cup from me.  Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

In His last night on the earth, Jesus stared death in the face and knew that He’d be dead in less than 24 hours.  As any of us would, He asked that He be spared such pain and suffering.  Thankfully, He also had the self-discipline to submit His will to God’s.

As you face your every day pains, look for God’s will in the matters of life.  Don’t deny your feelings or hide your displeasure, God knows that it hurts.  Talk with Him about it and commit yourself to His purposes in the situation. 

In today’s competition, take the same attitude toward pain and suffering that Jesus did and press through them to achieve your goals.

Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 5:33-48
Acts 8:1-25
Genesis 31