Listen to Your Body
Theme: Listen to Your Body
Verse: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
We are in the middle of the National Hockey League playoffs. Every year after teams are eliminated, stories begin to surface about players competing through injuries that would sideline most people for months. Broken bones, torn muscles, damaged ligaments — yet these athletes continue to battle because the opportunity to win a championship is worth the pain and sacrifice.
Most of us will never face physical demands at that level. But many of us will face moments when we are asked to do something that may please others — a boss, a coach, a friend, or even family members — while knowing deep down it may not be the wisest choice for us in that season of life.
Those moments are not easy.
Will I miss out on future opportunities at work if I do not take on this challenge?
Will I lose my spot on the team if I choose to rest and recover?
Will my family understand if I cannot participate in the next adventure because my priorities need to be different right now?
The pressure to perform can be overwhelming. Sometimes we push ourselves so hard trying to meet everyone's expectations that we make choices that hurt us physically, emotionally, or spiritually in the long run.
But we were never meant to be all things to all people.
There are nearly 8 billion people on this planet. God is fully capable of placing responsibilities on someone else when a particular assignment is not right for us in a certain season. Saying "No" is not always weakness or failure. Sometimes it is wisdom.
So how do we know when to say "Yes" and when to say "No"?
By staying connected to God through prayer. When we seek Him first, He gives us spiritual discernment to recognize what is healthy, what is wise, and what aligns with His purpose for our lives.
Never make major life choices without first consulting your Heavenly Father. He will provide strength when you need to persevere and wisdom when you need to step back. He will help you listen to your body, protect your priorities, and choose the path that ultimately brings Him glory.
Wisdom is not just knowing when to push forward — it is also knowing when to rest, heal, and trust God with what you cannot carry.
Have a GREAT week!
Adapted from Lead with Faith, Play with Purpose by Andy Dooley