He looked up and said, “I see people—they look to me like trees walking.” Again Jesus placed His hands on the man’s eyes, and he saw distinctly. He was cured and could see everything clearly.–Mark 8:24-25
Ask any athlete who has ever won a championship game if they regret the time and effort they spent developing as a player. In the middle of the season, they may have been frustrated or tired, but when the end result is being a champion, no one wishes they had put in less effort or spent less time practicing.
In Mark 8 Jesus was confronted by a blind man with a pretty direct request: he wanted to see. Jesus touched the man and asked if he saw anything. He could see, but not clearly. Did Jesus make a mistake? Or did He want the man to learn something about the way He works?
Often, Jesus is more concerned with the process of learning than racing to the end result. He wants us to focus on growing into the person He created us to be. We are called to walk with Christ—not run, not sprint. We need to slow down a bit and enjoy the walk with God.
It would probably be easier to go to practice if we were guaranteed our hard work would result in winning the championship. With a relationship in Christ we are guaranteed victory over death and eternity with Christ.
1. When have you seen your hard work pay off?
2. Is there a part of your season that you'd rather get through quickly? (Pre-season, injury, practice)
3. How might God use that part of your season to shape you into a competitor of God?
2 Corinthians 6:18; Philippians 3:7-11; James 1:2-4
Lord, help me see how You are growing me now, in the middle of every circumstance. Thank You for guaranteeing victory over death. Thank You for walking hand in hand with me. Amen.
About the Author:
Stephanie Simon is from Bel Air, Maryland, and graduated from Towson University in 2006 with a degree in sport management. She worked full time with FCA Lacrosse until 2008.
