Playing Injured

The NBA Finals have been highly competitive and entertaining as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers have provided fans with a great brand of basketball through five games.

One of the key reasons the Pacers have advanced this far is the presence of star guard Tyrese Haliburton, who has hit multiple clutch or game-winning shots and is averaging 17.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 9.1 assists per game during the postseason.

However, during Game 5 on Monday night, he injured his calf, which limited his performance in their 120-109 loss to the Thunder. He did return to the game but struggled and didn't even make a field goal.

Haliburton was willing to play despite being injured and fight through the pain, understanding the magnitude of the Finals. He said, "If I can walk, then I want to play."

Even though it was admirable that he was willing to push through and attempt to do what he could to help his team, he was not at his best, and arguably, the team would have benefited more if he had sat out. Also, by rushing back and playing, did he exacerbate the injury?

As he continues to battle the calf strain, a decision will need to be made for Game 6 on Thursday night regarding his status. He's currently questionable to play, but of course, he wants to be out there because it's an elimination game at home in Indiana with the Thunder leading 3-2 in the series.

The problem is that when a player like Haliburton has experienced a concerning injury like this, they are not at full capacity and are banged up, so they can easily re-injure themselves or worsen their original injury, ultimately prolonging the healing process.

The decision becomes whether to play through the pain or to sit out and allow the injury to heal.

Of course, players want to play, especially during a championship, because they're competitive and have a persevering mentality. Coaches need them on the court, and fans want them back out there. Oftentimes, it’s even inspiring when a player plays injured.

The reality is that players continually want to rush back to help their teams, even if they aren't fully ready or at their best. However, this isn't always the wisest decision when they haven't gone through the proper healing process, and they end up hurting their team more than helping it.

In our own lives, being physically healthy is very important, and so is being emotionally, spiritually, and mentally well. Unfortunately, life is busy and unpredictable, and even if we suffer in one of these areas, we often feel the pressure to "get back on the court" and keep going without allowing ourselves the proper time for healing.

We sometimes pretend we're not hurt that bad by downplaying our "injuries" or pain. Rushing back and operating at less than our best can lead to further "injuries" that can also negatively affect our "team." In many situations, hurt people tend to hurt people.

The truth is, we're unable to serve effectively, love as passionately, or empathize well when an area of our health is compromised, or we're "beat up" by life's challenging circumstances—especially when we've experienced trauma.

It can be frustrating to take a step back, and it might feel impossible to get out of the game for a while (there may not be a simple solution). But my encouragement for us today is to take our health (spiritual, mental, emotional) seriously and not always rush back or "play through injuries."

Yes, as followers of Jesus, we are overcomers and want to persevere with His strength through difficulties. No, we don't isolate ourselves completely, but we do need to slow down and discern when we need to take the necessary time off and sit on the bench so we can truly heal from what we've been through. We need to admit we’re injured and get the proper care.

We must seek the Lord, patiently wait for His healing, and reach out for help from those who are equipped to do so. It's essential to have trustworthy people in our lives who are willing to tell us when we're not okay and need to step back from the game.

The healing process may require taking a break from something, engaging in some soul-searching, and being honest before the Lord. Once we slow down and allow God to do His incredible work in our minds, bodies, and hearts, we'll be healthier and more effective in going out and doing the work He's called us to do.

Psalm 147:3 (AMP) offers this encouragement: "He heals the brokenhearted And binds up their wounds."

Isaiah 40:29 (NIV) assures us that "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."

Proverbs 3:7-8 (NIV) tells us, "Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."

Proverbs 12:25 (AMP) says, "Anxiety in a man's heart weighs it down, But a good (encouraging) word makes it glad."

Today, let's pursue restoration, healing, and the release of pain as we surrender our hearts, souls, minds, and bodies to the Lord. Through His strength, grace, love, and power, we'll be stronger than before…and fully ready to get back out on the court!

I'm Bryce Johnson, and you can UNPACK that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me not to be in denial of the pain I'm in, but instead, go through the proper healing process with You. I don't want my lack of healing to cause more pain, so please show me the steps I need to take. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen.