Dani Tyler hit a home run . . . at least she thought she did. As she excitedly rounded the bases, she accidentally stepped over home plate. The umpire voided the run and her team lost 2-1. No big deal, right? Well, it happened when Dani was the third baseman for the U.S. Women’s Olympic softball team. The loss was only the team’s second in ten years of international competition at that time. The next day, Tyler played very well. A writer for Sports Illustrated who was covering the game asked her why her previous mistake had not interfered with her play. “Well, I didn’t want to get out of bed this morning,” she admitted. “But this is sports. One play doesn’t make a game, and one play won’t define my life.”
Good for her! And good for us when we realize that one performance—good or bad—does not define who we are. Paul makes it very clear—God loves us win, lose, or draw!
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. The angels can’t, and the demons can’t. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, and even the powers of hell can’t keep God’s love away. Whether we are high above the sky or in the deepest ocean, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39 NLT)
If I were to take a $20 bill and crumple it up, get it wet, throw it in the dirt, step on it, spit on it, and then run over it with my car, it is still worth $20. In the same way, my worth to God doesn’t change because I fall down, make a mistake, get laughed at, or ridiculed. His love is as strong as ever—nothing can change that. You are worthy because God loves you.
John Maxwell said, “Though you cannot go back and make a brand new start, my friend, anyone can start from now and make a brand new end.” This hits home for me because the most important person in the universe loves me whether I am a success or a flop. So I can begin again—and so can you. What have we got to lose? Dani Tyler said it well, “one play won’t define my life.”
STAY FOCUSED TODAY: Where do you need a brand new start? Fill in this statement: “God, because I know you love me, I will make a fresh start at ______________.” Repeat it every time you start your car today to serve as a reminder of your brand new start.