Staying in the Game Called Life

Let me tell you a little story about staying in the game called life. “I will not play this game anymore!” It was unusual to hear this from the mouth of my eleven-years old nephew. He loved this online game and was playing it for months. Concerned, I asked what happened.

In bits and pieces, he shared the story – the loss of his favorite animal, and the lack of understanding and support of his online and real-life friends.

My nephew felt deeply discouraged and disappointed – with himself, with the other online players, with his friends and with the game itself. His disappointment and losses tempted him to give up and never play again.

Why Stay in the Game Called Life?

How often do we find ourselves in a similar situation questioning what is the point to stay in the game? We suffer losses, we are cheated and betrayed, our friends don’t meet our expectations, people disappoint us. What are we supposed to do then and how can we get back on track? 

It is easy to stay offended and disappointed. Our pain tries to convince us it is better and safer for us if we give up and stop playing the game, and just remain in the sidelines. Nothing can be further away from the truth and from God’s good plan and will for our lives. It is only by staying in the game called life that we can get back on track and allow God to heal our wounds, redeem our losses, mature and bless us.

It is only by staying in the game called life that we can get back on track and allow God to heal our wounds, redeem our losses, mature and bless us. #endurance #spiritualgrowth #encouragement Click To Tweet

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Learning to Accept Losses and Move On

It is vital to overcome the temptation to stop playing and to resign internally as a result of being rejected, offended or disappointed.  We need to come back into the game and stay there. The game called life is about learning to accept losses and move on.

With God as our Healer, Friend, Comforter, and Redeemer, we can learn to let go emotionally of our losses and develop a stable, hope-filled outlook.  We can learn to forgive and to handle our disappointments in a healthy way allowing us to keep moving forward.

The game called life is about learning to accept losses and move on. #loss #acceptance #moveon #spiritualmaturity Click To Tweet

What Happens When We Get Back into the Game?

This day I took my nephew in my arms and told him that I am his friend, always. I explained that if he decides never to play this game again, he will suffer greater losses. He will lose his chance to get back his favorite animal, and the chance to acquire more animals. He will lose the chance to make new friends, and he will lose a source of joy and pleasure.  But if he chooses to come back into the game, playing again with all his heart and passion then maybe he will be given even more than the things he lost.

My nephew decided to stay. One day later he “bought back” his favorite animal, and on the next day, he obtained another animal – one he only dreamed about. His joy grew and he was happy that he did not give up to the temptation to quit. 

Learning to Stay in the Game and Persevere

Life is much more difficult and complicated than this online game. We get our portions of sorrows, pain, and disappointments.  But when we choose by faith to push through, to stay on the course and persevere, then we truly live and experience even greater joy. This is the joy of overcoming in the strength of the Lord, the joy of growth and transformation.  We learn to stay and to stand firm, testifying about God’s goodness and faithfulness.

„Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.“ (1 Corinthians 15:58)

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Your Turn

In which areas have you been tempted to quit? If this article has encouraged you, I would be happy if you comment and share it on social media. Thank you!

When we choose by faith to push through, to stay on the course and persevere, then we truly live and experience the joy of growth and transformation. #transformation #faith #standfirm #bgbg2 Click To Tweet