Psalms 69:29 (NLT) says, “I am suffering and in pain. Rescue me, O God, by your saving power.”

Growing up I loved playing basketball and I kept playing until the point of my two back surgeries. Back when I was playing competitively there was little that would keep me from playing the game. There were a couple of instances, out of many, I can remember when I had to play through some pain.

The first instance was a familiar scene for many who’ve played basketball. I went up for a rebound and came down on another player’s foot rolling my ankle over pretty bad. I immediately fell to the floor in serious pain, was helped up by teammates and I hopped over to the bench. I could have easily stayed on the bench and out of the game. But, I wanted to be back out there so I had them wrap up my ankle , I tied my shoes a little tighter and I got back in the game.

The second instance happened while I was playing in a military command wide tournament. The second game of the tournament I dislocated my finger while trying to steal the ball. Seeing my finger pointing in a direction it shouldn’t be was a shock, I must admit. But I had a game to finish playing so I went over to the bench, popped it in place, taped it up and went back to playing.

What was it that drove me to continue playing in pain during these examples. It was my desire for the game, my love of playing basketball and going out there and competing. I didn’t want to be out of the game for any amount of time, even if that meant I had to play in pain. We need to have that same passion when it comes to playing in the game of life.

Many of us have been or are currently dealing with some serious pain in our lives. This pain can come in many forms and it can be debilitating. For me the mental and physical pain I dealt with for years from my back issues took me out of the game. I had two back surgeries that helped ease the physical pain. Unfortunately I suffered some side effects that kept me from getting back to all the things I used to do.

For awhile, I let the emotional and physical strain remove me from the game. I was so down and so worried about what I could no longer do that I didn’t want to do anything. I decided to not even try and get back in the game. I stayed on the sideline and just watched the game pass me by. I was existing and not living. My friends, how many of you can relate to this? How many of you right now are dealing with so much pain in your life that you have given up on living? I can tell you this is not how God wants us to live.

For me, I had to get to a point where I said “No More!”. No more self-pity, no more depression, and no more sitting on the sidelines watching others play the game. Yes I was hurting, and yes there were things I could no longer do, but there was still so much God had for me to accomplish. I had to pick myself up and start living life again. I had to realize that when one door closes, God opens another one. Luke 11:9 (NLT) says, “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened for you.”

I originally looked at my physical limitations as a crutch, something that kept me from being all I could be. But what I found out when I got back in the game is the pain and limitations forced me to see things from a different perspective. When the injuries slowed me down I was able to spend more time in God’s word and building my relationship with Him. During that time, I was able to see the bigger calling He had for me. This blog was a part of that and without getting back in the game and playing with some pain, the opportunity to start this blog may have never come along.

So please be encouraged today. Rejoice in the fact that no matter what pain your are dealing with, God is here for you! He wants you to get back in the game. Yes it may still hurt, and yes the pain may slow you at times. But the longer you stay in the game, the more opportunity God has to show you the wonderfully blessed life He has for you. Don’t let the pain of your circumstances keep you from living life. Make the choice today to get back in the game!

Truth in Love! ~ Chuck