Cheering You On to Victory!

Do you ever feel like no one is cheering for you?  

Recently I was talking to the dad of a high school volleyball player.  I love volleyball, but not because I have ever played the sport.    I love it because my middle daughter, Amy, played volleyball all through middle school and high school.  Some of the sweetest moments of my life were spent cheering her and her team on to win two state championships.  

After discussing some of the specifics of the sport, this dad made a powerful statement.  He said, “There’s nothing like cheering your child on to victory. It brings me so much joy.”   The minute those words hit my ears, my thought was:  “And that's exactly what our Father in heaven is doing for us.” 

God’s word contains numerous references to athletic events and winning.

II Timothy 4:7 says to “fight the good fight.”  Isaiah 40:31 declares God will enable us to “run and not grow weary.”  Philippians 3:13-14 challenges us to "forget what lies behind us and....press toward the goal.”  And Hebrews 12:1 proclaims, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings too closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.”  

Every athlete has to choose to train.  Every athlete has to set aside things that distract them from pursuing the goal of victory.  God is cheering us on and God will enable us, but we have to make choices along the way.  Examine your life.  What is hindering you?  Busyness, an addiction, mindlessly scrolling on your phone, or unhealthy relationships? Choose wisely.  Life is a fight at times.  Running is not for wimps.  But victory is so sweet and precious.  

Life can be hard but don’t listen to the lie that you are alone and no one is cheering for you.

Our Heavenly Father desires for us to be victorious.  He wants us to experience victory over sin and over this world.  John 5:4 says, “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes this world.  This is the victory that has overcome the world--our faith.”

After the conversation with this volleyball dad, I thought to myself:  “Jesus wants us to join Him in what He is doing.  He is always cheering others on to victory.  Am I?  How often do I encourage others and tell them, “You are doing great.  Keep your eyes on Him.  He’s got this.” 

When I’m cheering others on, it’s hard to feel isolated and alone. 

Next time you feel alone and isolated, remember there are many who have gone before you that are cheering you on and so is Your Heavenly Father.  He has given you the Holy Spirit to empower you on to victory!  Now go cheer on someone to victory.