"... let the weak say, I am strong." Joel 3:10 Throughout my life, I have learned the importance of playing hurt. The phrase "playing hurt" can connote the unwise sacrifice of long-term health to pursue short-term gains. Such is the case of a football player who plays chock-full of pain meds and anti-inflammatory meds to push through injuries that unfortunately become a permanent, debilitating factor long after the season is over. That's not what I'm saying we should do. I'm thinking more of my mom, who raised seven children under challenging circumstances. She fulfilled her responsibilities even when she was sick and feeling dreadful. Not only is that super impressive, but it is a sacrifice that blesses home life immensely and sets a life principle for her children to follow...which I have.
I have also learned that when ... "The going gets tough the tough get going."
One of the most potent biblical principles was spoken by the prophet Joel when he said: "When I'm weak, I'm strong." Your strength is not measured when all is well in your life but is measured when adversity hits your life.
Over the weekend, I sustained an ankle injury. At first, I didn't feel anything, but when my body cooled down, I felt pain and discomfort that made walking difficult. However, I have learned that to stop doing what you are accustomed to doing is mentally and emotionally more detrimental than the injury itself. So I got up on Sunday, early as usual, and performed all my duties.
Tips on when and how to play hurt:
1. No pain, no gain…
We experience pain as a protective, physical mechanism; however, you'll never know how strong you are and what your spiritual, physical, and mental potential is until you push through your comfort zones. To fail to do that is to live a life of limitation below your potential. Pay attention to how you feel, but learn how to differentiate between excuses and legitimate injuries requiring rest or treatment.
One of the most common ways this struggle presents itself for me is through the discomfort of not being able to fulfill my responsibilities. I worked for Coca Cola for 16 years. My boss, Mike Stamper, honored me with a "perfect attendance" recognition- I went to work every day, even when I was sick. I have applied the same principle of "Playing hurt" on my call as a Pastor. I always feel much better after I push through whatever situation and get to church.
I think it is important to push ourselves outside of our comfort zones in all areas of our life - spiritual, physical, or mental- to achieve new spiritual, physical, and mental conditioning levels and expand our capabilities.
2. Adapt
Adaptation in our personal lives means consistently doing what we can in ways that push us to grow.
In 2003, when Hawaiian surfer Bethany Hamilton was just 13 years old, she lost her arm in a shark attack while surfing in Kauai. After losing nearly two-thirds of her blood, her life and future in surfing were anything but guaranteed. Surfing with one arm is a tall order and professionally near impossible, but she adapted to her situation and became very successful as a professional surfer, actor, and writer.
The apostle Paul taught a powerful principle of adaptation that produces true fulfillment and happiness. "Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:11-13.
You cannot control unexpected things that happen in life, but you can control how you react to them.
3. Rely on a mentor
An outside perspective is critical in this process. For me, that outside perspective comes from my dad. Even though he has left this world, his example and invaluable input to my life have helped me become the man, the Pastor, and the leader I am today. Furthermore, I have a core of pastors (friends) who consistently check in on how I'm feeling, giving me pointers on adapting to different situations and other advice. Engaging in the process of receiving mentorship is a must. You can receive mentorship from your Pastor, or parents, or spiritual leaders, as well as reading great books and studying the Word of God with a pastor or spiritual leader. I recommend doing more than one of these and making sure you are growing in areas important to you by learning from people with fruit on the tree who have the types of results you want.
To wrap up, I would like you to share with someone something you learned or accomplished when you "played hurt" or broke through a comfort zone, even if it wasn't easy physically, spiritually, or professionally.
Have a blessed week,
Pastor (Rev. Elias Limones)
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