Don’t Give Up, Young man
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” — Psalm 139:13
Young man, you may be feeling down today. Maybe a game didn’t go as planned, or life is throwing challenges your way. But let me remind you that even before you were born, God had a plan for your life. He saw you, and He knew your purpose. Who would have thought that we would meet here, in this place where I wasn’t even born? And yet, here we are. I am your coach because God ordained it, just like He has ordained your future. Don’t give up.
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” One bad game doesn’t define your future, just like one setback doesn’t end your story. God has something greater in store for you, but the journey might not always be easy. You might ask, “Why is God letting this happen?” The truth is, sometimes He allows challenges to shape us. Hebrews 12:6 says, “The Lord disciplines the one He loves.”
You see, accomplishments on the court are good, but they’re not everything. King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, said that chasing success without purpose is like chasing after the wind. It’s empty. Ecclesiastes 1:14 reminds us, "I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind." What matters most is that you trust God in every season, whether it’s a season of winning or a season of learning through loss.
Basketball, like life, is full of ups and downs. Proverbs 24:16 tells us, “For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” You might fall, but God sees your effort. He knows your heart. He sees the discipline, the work, the times you’ve stayed late practicing. None of it is wasted. He is working out His plan for you, even when it feels hard.
Listen to me, son—don’t give up. I was sent here to coach you because I’ve been where you are. I’ve had my moments of wanting to quit, of thinking it was too hard. But I learned that with God, the hard times are part of the journey, not the end of it. You are stronger than you know because God is with you. And I will not let you give up, just like God never gave up on me.
Remember this: In every season, keep trusting God’s plan, and know that every fall is just a step closer to the victory He has prepared for you.
Reflection:
How can you see God working in your challenges?
What areas of your life do you need to trust Him more?
Prayer:
"Lord, thank You for knowing us even before we were born. Help us to trust You in every season, whether in victory or in failure. Give us strength not to give up and to remember that You have a plan for us, even when we can't see it. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Athlete Quote:
“Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” — Tim Notke
Remember, young man, God sees your hard work. Keep going, and never give up.
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