With the NBA Playoffs in the second round, intriguing storylines surround the matchups and most of the series are expected to be very tight and competitive. However, as we make our predictions on which teams will advance, we are quick to use the caveat, “if they stay healthy.”
Just like the LA Lakers lost early in the first round in large part due to Anthony Davis' injury, teams without their best players available aren’t going to accomplish what they hope.
The Philadelphia 76ers have a strong team with MVP candidate Joel Embiid leading the way, but he’s dealing with an injured knee that continues to keep his availability in question, despite playing well in Game 1. Unfortunately, throughout his entire career, Embiid has played well when on the court, but his injuries have continuously limited his availability.
Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets won Game 1 against the Bucks but lost James Harden to an injured hamstring that will keep him out of Game 2. During the regular season he missed over a month with a hamstring strain, so his availability for this series is definitely up in the air.
As sports fans, we understand that injuries are part of the game and oftentimes out of a player’s control. At the same time, when a player consistently has injury problems, it’s fair to wonder if they're taking proper care of their bodies.
Athletes like LeBron James and Tom Brady have shown what it takes to remain on the court or field for the majority of their long careers by properly investing in their health and taking it seriously. As talented as they are, there's an understanding that “availability is as valuable as ability.”
Despite their impressive abilities, Anthony Davis, Joel Embiid, and James Harden can’t help their teams win when they're in street clothes.
In life, our “injuries” are oftentimes out of our control just as in sports. Even so, I want to unpack how our “availability is as valuable as our ability” and the importance of controlling what we can to remain healthy. This means making wise decisions that affect us physically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally.
First of all, are we properly taking care of our body, mind, heart, and soul?
Do our misguided mindsets, negative emotions, and physical tiredness prevent us from serving God?
Are we worn out because we’re thinking and doing the wrong things?
Jesus tells us in Luke 21:34 (AMP), “But be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down and depressed with the giddiness of debauchery and the nausea of self-indulgence and the worldly worries of life.”
Are we mentally or emotionally tired and “injured” because we’re focused on the worries of life?
Are we too busy with our selfish desires, making us unavailable to serve others?
Do we take notice of the warning signs that we’re unhealthy because of our bad choices or are we "playing through the pain" without addressing it, causing more damage?
If we’re always unavailable because we’re unhealthy, it’s going to be tough helping our team win when we’re in “street clothes” on the sideline. God has given us the abilities we need for His purposes, but we must remain available and ready to do what He’s calling us to do.
Ephesians 2:10 (AMP) tells us, "For we are His workmanship , created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand , so that we would walk in them ."
Jesus transforms us and empowers us to be spiritually healthy and in "the lineup" to effectively be used by God. Also, physically it's important we wisely consider what we eat, how much we sleep, and how often we exercise so we’ll have the energy to serve God.
We miss out if we're always “banged up” and not available because of our poor choices. 3 John 2 (NLT) says, “Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NLT) tells us, "Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.”
Today, let’s be intentional about seeking God’s best as we surrender our heart, soul, mind, and body to Him. Let's rely on Him to strengthen and restore our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health while remaining available to be used by Him.
I'm Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I pray You'd show me the areas of my life that aren't healthy and are holding me back. Help me to be available to serve You and others, and remain spiritually and emotionally healthy. Thank You for Your grace that meets me in my weaknesses. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What areas of your life do you have the hardest time keeping healthy?
In what way has your lack of availability prevented you from using your God-given abilities?
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