Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do
not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you
wherever you go.
Playing a sport as a youngster is not for the faint of
heart.
I opened my calendar and spread their schedules in front of
me. Grandchildren in track, baseball, and softball filled the pages, not to
mention Tim’s schedule as a Red’s usher and my author obligations.
We’ve watched our children and grandchildren compete in sports for years. Tim and I even coached our own kids.
I enjoy all kinds of sports, especially when the grands are
participating. Watching Eli throw the discus and shotput was a new experience.
I love his attitude. He’s brand new to the sport and willing to learn. He wants
to do his best. Zeke, in his baseball, has grown by leaps and bounds and this
year, the coach is tapping into his potential. Again, he has a great attitude,
he wants to learn and do his best. Ella Cate, in softball, is the same as are
Max and Aiden in basketball and track and Dylan in tennis. All of these young
folks have approached their sport with an attitude of courage and a
determination to be strong in their sport. They each want to enjoy the game,
but also learn and grow. They know their parents and grandparents are there cheering
them on and encouraging them to do their best.
When God tapped Joshua to take over for Moses, Joshua stepped
up and told the people what would happen next. God reminded him, “As I was
with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor
forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5) Several times, God reminded Joshua to be strong
and have courage. And he did.
Just as we encourage and support our grandkids in their
sports, God reminds us to be strong and have courage as we serve Him. That may
require learning something new, spending time in His word or on our knees in prayer.
God’s courage goes before me as I serve Him and minister to others. He gives me
the strength and courage to do the things I hesitate to do on my own. I’m
thankful for God’s love and encouragement.
Take heart, and be strong and courageous.