Hard to Be A Sports Fan, Yet Worth It

I have been a sports fan for most of my life, and, as you probably know, I absolutely love following my favorite teams, cheering for them, watching memorable moments, and experiencing their victories. 

It’s an absolute blast being a sports fan, and I don’t regret becoming one at all!

However, as awesome as it’s been to see my favorite teams win championships and playoff games, I’ve also witnessed heartbreaking defeats, challenging seasons, ridicule from other fan bases, and painful moments that put my fandom to the test.

When you factor in the sacrifice and commitment it takes to follow your favorite team, the truth is, being a sports fan can be hard. 

I was reminded of this on Sunday night as I watched my favorite college basketball team blow a 19-point lead and lose on a 35-foot three-point buzzer beater after one of the craziest game-ending sequences in NCAA Tournament history.

The Duke Blue Devils had an amazing season, and they were the number 1 seed with championship aspirations. However, UConn did the unthinkable and came back in a game that Duke controlled for most of it, and the Huskies are now heading to the Final Four instead.

Duke fans were left heartbroken, devastated, confused, angry, and in disbelief after losing the game in such a dramatic and wild way. Duke lost only three games all season, had the best player in the country in Cameron Boozer, and was easy to root for all year while playing as a selfless, connected team. 

It’s hard being a fan when your favorite team’s season ends that way, especially after minutes before it seemed like everything was coming together. As difficult as it is to watch that unbelievable shot go in for UConn and have to deal with the loss, it’s still worth it to be a sports fan and to be a Duke fan!

The reality is, not every game goes how we think it should, our favorite teams don’t win every game, and certain seasons or moments are extremely challenging. 

However, I will keep following Duke, even when it’s hard, because again, it’s still worth it.

That same perspective is true for following Jesus. When we surrender our lives to Him, we receive salvation, eternal life, new life, forgiveness, and the power of the Holy Spirit. As we faithfully trust and obey, in God’s kindness and grace, we live truly blessed lives and experience spiritual fruit.

We know that if we've placed our faith in Jesus, we’re victorious in the end and can rest in the finished work of His death and resurrection.

It’s an absolute blast being a follower of Jesus, and I don’t regret becoming one at all! It’s been awesome to see God transform my life and to be on this great adventure with Him, as He’s given me joy and peace and provided me with wisdom and guidance.

At the same time, as I’ve followed Him, I’ve also witnessed heartbreaking defeats, challenging seasons, ridicule from others, and painful moments that put my faith to the test.

2 Timothy 3:12 (AMP) says, “Indeed, all who delight in pursuing righteousness and are determined to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be hunted and persecuted [because of their faith].”  

When you factor in the sacrifice and commitment it takes to follow Jesus, the truth is, being a Christ follower can be hard. But of course it’s absolutely worth it!

The reality is, not everything goes how we think it should. We don’t always “win,” and certain seasons or moments are extremely challenging.

It’s hard to lay down our selfish desires and submit to God’s way. It’s hard to remain hopeful and joyful in the midst of a trial, or when we're standing up for our faith and being persecuted, encountering daily spiritual battles, loving our enemies, resisting temptations, or forgiving, serving, or giving.

We must realize the life of a follower of Jesus includes difficulties. But thankfully, He helps us to endure the life He’s called us to.

The encouragement for us today is to embrace the challenges that come along with following Jesus, not to give up when it’s hard, and to understand what is required.

Jesus tells the crowd in Luke 9:23 (AMP). “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross daily [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].”

1 Peter 2:21 (NLT) says, "For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in His steps.”

Today, as we begin Easter week, we are reminded that Jesus took the difficult path to the cross and endured more pain and heartache than we could ever imagine, yet He knew it was worth it.

His love, sacrifice, and commitment to us were evident on the cross. As His followers, we now demonstrate our love for Him and are willing to sacrifice and commit to following Him, even when it’s hard. It’s always worth it, and we can have peace in the midst of any suffering knowing that ultimately, because of Him, we win.

In John 16:33 (NIV), Jesus explains, “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Amen.

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

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus to sacrifice His life on my behalf. I’m grateful to be saved and given eternal life. I acknowledge that following Jesus is the best, but it’s also really hard at times. Please give me the strength to endure and not give up, and have peace because I’m victorious in Him. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.