UNPACK This...Fantasy Football and FaithSample

The Setback From Injuries

Like it or not, injuries are a part of the game of football.

When injuries take place, players deal with pain and disappointment. We feel similar, albeit lesser, emotions when players on our Fantasy team go down with an injury.

As much as we attempt to avoid drafting injury-prone players, we can’t be delusional in thinking our guys will never get injured.

Similarly, in our own lives, we know we’re not free from pain, suffering, and disappointment. God blesses His children, but He never tells us we won’t experience setbacks.

The reality is we are going to suffer from “injuries” throughout our lives. We must learn to properly handle our responses while accepting that “injuries” come with the territory.

Deciding to follow Jesus isn’t so everything will go the way we want, but because we need a Savior and desire to become more like Him. Although we wish we could completely avoid trials, they refine and strengthen us.

When suffering comes, we can cling to John 16:33: “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

“Injuries” play out differently for each of us, but it’s all part of our faith journey. We must remember that purpose and good can come from the big hits that lead to pain.

In the following verses, Paul gives us an amazing perspective on suffering:

Romans 8:18 says, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

And Romans 5:3-5 tells us: “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

As we consider our struggles, let’s remember that God’s grace is all we need. Let’s boldly ask Him to strengthen us, so that we can suffer well for His glory.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray that my life would be filled with obedience, even if suffering is involved. Help me to understand that You are using my trials to make me more like Your Son. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.