Tuesday, April 15 1 Corinthians 16:13

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.

OUR WORTH COMES FROM GOD

Life is full of challenges that test our strength, courage and faith. For me, wrestling is a good metaphor for life. Every match is a test of endurance, preparation and mindset. But even more than that, it`s a reminder of how much we need to rely on God for courage and strength. Before each match, I often have to pause and remind myself that no matter what happens on the mat, God is with me. He`s not watching to see if I win or lose but is there to remind me that my worth isn`t defined by the outcome. That`s a truth that applies not just to wrestling but to every part of life.

Fear is a natural response, whether it`s fear of losing a match, failing a test or disappointing others. But when fear takes over it can stop us from stepping into the opportunities God has for us.

Wrestling has shown me that fear doesn`t help. The more I focus on being afraid the harder it is to perform my best. The same is true in life. God calls us to stand firm in our faith, to be courageous and strong, not because we won`t face hard things, but because he is with us through them.

What happens on the mat doesn`t change the love my parents have for me, and it doesn`t change how God sees me either. That`s true in every part of life. We`re going to fail sometimes. We`re going to lose. But God doesn`t define us by our failures. When I lose, whether in a match or in life, I know God is there to pick me up, forgive me and help me try again. He shows me that failure isn`t something to fear. What matters most is that I keep standing firm in my faith and trusting him.

Dear God, watch over us. Make sure we know that you are forever with us. Show us that we should never be afraid. Help us to be strong and courageous in the face of challenges. Remind us that we don`t have to be afraid because our worth comes from you, not our successes or failures. Amen

Thatcher Rakestraw

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