Nobody Likes to Lose

I’m an extremely competitive person. I don’t like to lose and I can relate when athletes reveal their emotions of disappointment and frustration after a tough loss. It’s not fun to lose and the feeling of failure is hard to deal with. The Carolina Panthers are dealing with this right now. The reality is, nobody likes to lose - I don’t, Cam Newton doesn’t, and I’m sure you don't either…but we all deal with a loss at some point. Sports are a great equalizer because even the best athletes or teams already have or will eventually lose. Losing in sports and life is a common bond we all share. Jesus says in John 16:33 (NLT), “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”  The ESV Bible translates like this, “In this world, you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Each of us faces losing, trials, sorrows, failure, and disappointment while here on earth. Most likely you're dealing with something right now or have in the past or will in the future. I believe that by recognizing the inevitable, we can learn to respond properly. I’ve been known to pout, complain, or question during my own trials, and I’m sure you can relate. As I said, I don’t like to lose. But, I hope we’re challenged today to “be of good cheer” and remember Jesus came to earth, died on the cross, rose again and invites us to follow Him. He’s overcome the world and provides us great hope. Any loss we’re wrestling with today can be handled with peace and joy because of Jesus. It’s not easy to let go and trust when our default response is to sulk and be discouraged with our heads down…but Jesus already won, so let’s instead look up to Him. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!