“For everything there is a season,
and a time for every matter under heaven.”
– Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ESV)

Injuries are part of the game. Blown out knees, separated shoulders and concussions are commonplace in the world of sports. These injuries can sideline an athlete for a few weeks, for a season or possibly even end a career. Too often athletes try to push through the rehabilitation too quickly. This can lead to a major setback in recovery and delay the return to the field or court. To recover from a serious injury, athletes must resist the urge to work things out before the proper time has passed. They must master the art of living one day at a time and focusing only on the rehab scheduled for that day. When that practice is followed, there is a simplicity and a peace to the recovery process. The athlete can accept the idea that there is a time for everything, and everything has its time.

In life, we also face injuries.  John 16:33 tells us, “In this world you will have trouble.” Our injuries may be physical, but they could also be mental, emotional or spiritual. Like athletes, we often try to push the clock of recovery forward too quickly. We selfishly want healing to come on our schedule. We want to jump six months down the road of recovery in only a week’s time. We must learn to focus on the day-to-day process. When we do this, recovery is often less frustrating and complicated. When we allow God to be a part of the healing process, the focus shifts from “me” to “Him.” The recovery is in His hands not ours. We learn that God’s timing is always perfect. He may be trying to teach us something that requires six months not six days. Slow down! There is a time for everything, and everything has its time.

Heavenly Father, help me to not get ahead of You. Don’t let me miss the lessons You are teaching me today. Amen.