Sometimes an athlete goes into the locker room at halftime, his team is losing, blood is coming out of the side of his nose, his ankle hurts, and his pinky is sticking out at an odd angle. But a strong team player says, “Wrap it, tape it, stitch it. My team needs me today.”

Second Half

Yet often in the church when people get hurt or offended, they don’t come back onto the field. They stay in the locker room and whine to themselves and anyone else who will listen. They leave and never come back. Satan has them just where he wants them—out of the game.

David was a servant to King Saul for a time. Later Saul grew jealous of David and tried to kill him. But David never struck back. Though greatly offended and hurt, David held no grudges. Instead, he faithfully and obediently withstood Saul’s harsh treatment. The result was his own eventual promotion to a place of honor. How about you? Have you been treated unfairly and become bitter? If so, maybe it’s time to let it go and get back in the game.

Bottom Line

Play hurt. Your team (your church) needs you. Victory awaits the one who plays hard to the end.