When the Match Gets Long!

Yesterday I spent the day with my brother John at the US Open watching hours of tennis. It was a great day as we watched some of the veterans play as well as some lesser-known players, and even some potentially rising stars.  The level of play from all of the players is incredible. Each one of them hits so hard, moves so fast, and is able to make such tremendous shots. However, I have realized through the years, that there is often one major difference between those who consistently win and those who do not; there is one major difference between the champions and those who might win a set here and there or even a match now and then.  The difference is, stamina—both mental and physical. 

It is not uncommon, as happened yesterday, for a player like Roger Federer (seeded 3) to lose a set or two to an unseeded player like Mikhail Youzhny. But, what happens when the match goes to five sets?  Once again, Federer won. Or, for example, as happened last night to Rafael Nadal (seeded 1) to lose his first set to a relatively unknown player , in this case Taro Daniel.  Daniel played his heart out. He had such great shots.  In the end, however, Daniel lost to Nadal in four sets for he couldn’t keep the pace. 

John and me at the USTA Tennis Center

Players like Federer and Nadal often lose tournaments that require only a two out of three set win. But, the Majors like the US Open require a three out of five set win.  It is then that the real champions shine. In the end, it’s not the speed of the serve or the ability to hit a winner or cover the court; it’s the ability to keep on doing it through three, four, and even five sets.  In the end, the winner is often the player who is able to keep their head together and their body moving when the match gets long. It takes great perseverance and stamina to be a champion! 

Such is the case as well with our spiritual lives, as followers of Jesus Christ.  Thus, the call of the scriptures is to not give up, to keep on going, to persevere, to hang on. We might say, the champions in God’s kingdom are those who have developed the stamina to keep on believing and to keep on living as God has called us to live, even when the rest of life calls us to slow down or even give up—even when the match gets long! 

The writer to the Hebrews wrote, “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised”  (Hebrews 10:36 – NIV)

 James wrote, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 – NIV)   

And, the Apostle Paul said of himself, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 – NIV)

Life may get tough at times. The “match” might feel very long. But, let’s not give up.  God has a prize in store for those who will hold onto their faith!

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris