Question from a Reader
I'm a tennis player and, like most athletes, really like to win. How do I keep a godly perspective when I lose?
Answer from Randy Alcorn
Trust the Lord and find your encouragement in Him. During the past year, I’ve had some big challenges with a writing project, and God has taught me a lot through it, though it’s been very difficult. When we succeed all the time, we don’t trust. But when we’re not happy with the results, we draw our strength more from God, because we sense a deeper need. Turn to Him when you lose, and turn to Him and give Him glory when you win. This honors Him. The people who know how to handle winning with grace and humility are the ones who learn how to handle losing. You don’t have to like losing, but you do need to grow from it. Jesus is there for you.
Regardless of the results, He most values your heart of dependence on Him, and humbly giving Him glory, win or lose. That is more important than anything. So do all you can to prepare and try to win, but do it in a way that pleases Him, and then no matter what happens He will say, “Well done”—as will your coach and all those who love you.
