Playing Through Injuries

As we know, the NFL is a physical sport, and unfortunately, injuries have been stealing headlines through the first two weeks of the season.

Many players are getting hurt in games and practices, raising questions about their availability. Throughout the week, we get updates on their status and whether they plan to play.

Some injuries require surgery and an extended period of missed time, but others allow players to potentially play through them. They are so adamant about not missing the game that they force themselves to play, even when they aren’t necessarily ready.

Also, sometimes guys get injured during a game and don’t want to sit out; their adrenaline is pumping, so they rush back in. The decision to keep going may come down to pain tolerance or the type of injury, but players demonstrate their toughness by remaining out there. 

Even though it’s often admirable when a player is willing to push through and do what he can to help his team, playing through an injury usually means he’s not at his best, and sometimes the team would have benefited more if he had sat out. 

The big question is: By rushing back and playing, does he worsen the injury or put himself at higher risk of other injuries?

The bottom line is that when players sustain a concerning injury and don’t give their bodies enough time to heal, they aren't at full capacity and are banged up, so they can easily re-injure themselves or worsen their original injury, ultimately prolonging the healing process as their pain lingers.

Players feel pressure to be on the field and not miss time, so they face the tough decision of whether to play through the pain or sit out and let the injury heal properly.

Of course, players want to play, especially during big games, because they're competitive and have a persevering mentality. Coaches depend on them, and fans want to see them back on the field. Oftentimes, it’s even inspiring when a player plays while 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 field" and keep going without allowing ourselves the proper healing process.

We sometimes pretend we're not hurt that bad by downplaying our "injuries" or pain. Rushing back and operating below 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.

Yes, as followers of Jesus, we are overcomers and want to persevere with His strength through difficulties. We celebrate people who push through unbelievable circumstances as they rely on the Lord. However, sometimes, we can’t just keep going without embracing the sideline. 

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."

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. Just like NFL players, sometimes we need a few weeks to heal, and sometimes it’s for a season.

Either way, we must seek the Lord, wait patiently for His healing, and reach out to those equipped to help. It's essential to have trustworthy people in our lives who will 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) encourages, “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 field!

Let’s also be encouraged by Psalm 23:2-3 (ESV), as David describes the Lord as his shepherd taking care of him: “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.”

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.