ROUGH ROAD
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “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.” John 16:33, ESV
Theme: Learn to trust God in the hard moments of your life.
THE MADNESS
Growing up in Kentucky, my husband was born a college basketball fan. While I don’t spend much time watching regular season games, I admit that I do love March Madness. It’s all about the “Cinderella” stories for me. Considering that ESPN and other networks spend as much time highlighting the unusual backstories of teams, players, coaches, and their families as they do in showing the actual games themselves, I’d say I’m not alone.
There is nothing more inspiring for me than watching the story of an underdog unfold. Perhaps it’s because I see a bit of myself in their stories. They are often the unlikely, the inexperienced, the weak, the bullied, or the broken. But it’s the depth of their hardship that makes their victories even sweeter!
NOTHING COMES EASY
In “American Underdog,” we watch as Kurt Warner overcomes adversity, challenges, setbacks, and doubt. Fortunately, he had faithful people encouraging him in his journey, even when he lacked his own confidence. His story is inspirational because of the struggles, not despite them. Even though we may know—before the movie even starts—that he ultimately became a Super Bowl champion, a Hall of Fame quarterback, and a two-time NFL MVP, we are invested in the story of what brought him there, not just the conclusion.
Have you ever been the underdog? I have and it isn’t quite as glamorous or entertaining in the moment. It’s often wrought with stress and self-doubt. I love to root for the underdog, willing them not to give up and heartily celebrating their success. In my own life, however, I’d rather skip right to the good part…the finish line! Without the hardship and the struggle, however, there is nothing to overcome. The victory is only as sweet as the depth of the sacrifice.
THERE’S NO SUBSTITUTE FOR EXPERIENCE
I once heard someone say, “Don’t prepare the path for your child. Prepare your child for the path.” That has stuck with me for many years. She called this tendency to remove all obstacles “snowplow parenting.” It’s difficult for parents to resist the temptation to make things easy on our kids. After all, “a mother is only as happy as her saddest child.” However, successful parenting is not intervening to spare your child the (sometimes painful) life lessons they need to learn. It’s loving them through them…teaching them to navigate and overcome so they will become stronger and more resilient as a result of them. God, our Father, teaches us the very same way.
Make It Personal: Difficulties can come in waves; some days may feel like there is no end in sight. Yes, life can be hard, but those are the times that require even greater perseverance. They are the periods where character is built, making what’s on the other side even sweeter! God not only promises joy in the morning, but He also promises not to leave you or forsake you. He calls us to trust His promising and perfect plan. Our times of toil and waiting will not be in vain. Will you not only thank Him in times of abundance but trust Him during uncertainty? That, my friends, is where true peace is found.
Pray: God, help me to not only trust You but to thank You in periods of distress. Help me to confidently call on You, having faith that You will make a way for me. I thank You for loving me beyond what I can even comprehend. In Jesus’ Name. Amen
Read: Romans 5:3-5; Psalm 30:5; Deuteronomy 31:8
Weekly Memory Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11, ESV