by Kala Loptien

Lessons on Losing

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking this Soundcloud link.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV

That’s quite a passage. Because of the message itself, I appreciate the beauty of this particular run-on sentence. It reminds me of a challenging life lesson. Many first graders are just learning how to be part of a team, how to train, and, the challenging lesson of losing.

I have to interrupt here and tell you: I hate losing. I was born competitive and played sports for many years. My husband is the same. I suppose that’s why we fished for hours on the Shoshone until we both caught something. Mine was bigger. 🙂

Through this little lesson on sportsmanship, grace on the court/field and never giving up, I had to confess to my six-year old listeners that this was and is a struggle for me too. They giggled at some of my stories and agreed that they already dislike losing or when other kids are “better.” We talked about persevering through hard things and appreciating the gifts God has given others. I pray like crazy for these little hearts, knowing that they will face troubles and trials. They will wrestle with sin, the comparison game and the weight of the world. We all do.

That’s why it’s critical that we continue to fix our eyes on the ultimate victor, author and perfecter. This verse today should fill us with hope and encouragement. Jesus knew the battle before Him. He also knew the joy that was to come. He didn’t miss a ministry beat. He never wavered. He lived a life of humility, with the sole (soul) purpose of reconciling the world. He never gives up on us. He is our champion. His is the victory. May our response always be that we bring glory to God in all that we do.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado