A Day-by-day devotional

June 15, 2023

Cheerleader

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: 2 Kings 9-11

Scripture of the Day: Hebrews 12:1

A German by the name of Hans Riegel invented gummy bears in 1922. Some years later, there came the sour gummies.

During the European soccer championship held in 2021, a workmate of mine gave me some sour gummies fashioned as miniature German flags. They were meant to accompany my viewing of the game that Germany played.

Naturally, as an expat in Germany, my support went to the national team. Almost everyone in the country cheered for them, with the exception of some whose own native land joined the cup. Of course, they supported their teams. To each his own, as the saying goes.

Football, soccer, basketball, tennis, boxing – these athletic events drive people to be supportive of their own teams vying for the title. Some would gather with friends at home, or in a bar, to watch the games on television and cheer on their favorite teams. Some even show further support by buying tickets to the games to cheer their teams live at the bleachers.

Having supported one or several teams in the past, we are highly likely aware of the emotional roller coaster that goes along with supporting a team. When they score, we clap. We cheer. We scream and shout. When the competing team, however, edges them out, we feel sad and at times, even remorseful. I have observed these actions and emotions since they are rather evident, specifically during soccer competitions in Europe, particularly in Germany. People go to far lengths to the point of acting crazily just to show support for their team.

In our Christian walk, we are the athletes. We play life’s difficult games and try to win against trials. Sometimes we win. Sometimes we lose. Although we may feel like we are competing for the win all by ourselves, that is far from being true.

We have a cheerleader who supports us in all the battles that we face. He also encourages and motivates us whenever we score goals so that we would be driven to carry on further. He does the same when we are losing. He chants our name to cheer us on. He is present in each and every game. When we lose the game against the enemy, and succumb to sin, it grieves Him deeply. Nonetheless, He never leaves our side. He continues to encourage, support and cheer us on.

His name is Holy Spirit. He is our comforter in times of trouble. He remains on our side at each and every game of life. Whenever we are losing and the enemy is scoring, we just have to listen to that voice amidst the crowd – calling out our name. He reminds us that although we sometimes lose, at the end of the game, at a time point unknown to us, we would be declared winners. Our Lord Jesus Christ, by the grace of the Father, already won the victory for us.

Reflection: How many times have you sulked and succumbed to a pity party when you are at the losing end? Cheer up, hold your head high. The game is not yet over. You will win. If Jesus is Lord and Savior of your life, victory is already yours!

Prayer: Thank you Holy Spirit for never leaving my side. May I be able to always hear your voice, even if I feel that it is drowned away by the noise of the crowd. Help me focus on you calling my name. I love you. Amen.