Biblical Encouragement for Injured Athletes

I love lifting weights. As a former powerlifter, it brings great joy to push my muscles to the limit and test my God given capacity. In December 2022, I woke up the day after a heavy lift with muscle aches, fever, fatigue, and loss of function in my quads. These symptoms mysteriously persisted for eight months. Eight months of pain. Eight months of confusion. Eight months of anger and grief. Questions persisted with the pain “Will I ever be able lift weights?” “Will I ever run or play soccer again?” “Is this my life now?”

 “God, why?”

No one plans to have an injury. It is hardly ever the ‘right time’ for such a disappointment. Beyond the physical pain – there’s real emotional pain of loss, disappointment, and confusion that comes with injury. The emotional pain can feel even more arduous than the physical discomfort. Not only have you lost the ability or opportunity to play the sport you love – it may be isolating within a team dynamic to no longer be contributing to the team’s success. Additionally, an injury can bring potential struggle with identity and self worth when sport is stripped away. It’s tempting to ignore whatever emotions you’re feeling or hide them to project strength. But athlete, know that God sees your pain – both physical and emotional.  

The following is not meant to spiritualize your pain or rush your emotional process. It’s meant to provide biblical encouragement for your journey of healing. An invitation and reminder to trust in God’s presence and purpose. 

Athlete, God’s Presence Is Near

God’s empathetic presence is displayed in Jesus

“Jesus wept.” John 11:27 

This is one of the easiest verses in the Bible to memorize but it holds profound meaning. 

Jesus' friend, Lazurus, is dying. Mary and Martha desperately plead with Jesus to heal him yet Jesus does not. Instead, he purposefully allows Lazarus to die because something far better was in store – healing in resurrection. Jesus sees his friends mourning and witnesses their pain. He knew the miracle to come, yet he still wept with them. Why? Perhaps Jesus wept because he was grieved over the effects of suffering, brokenness, and sadness in the world. Even though Jesus knew a better day was coming; he grieved alongside his friends. Athlete, Jesus weeps with you too. 

God does not leave you to endure suffering and uncertainty alone

“The Lord is my shepherd. I lack nothing… Even when I must walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger, for you are with me; your rod and your staff reassure me.” Psalm 23:1 & 4 

For sheep in the wilderness, walking through times of uncertainty and danger is almost guaranteed. There are real dangers in the wilderness – including predators that could cause bodily harm or injury. Yet the Psalmist sees the Good Shepherd as one who reassures in moments of fear and uncertainty. Athlete, the Lord is your Shepherd who is with you to guide and comfort you. 

God is near and hears your call for help 

“The Lord is near! Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5-7

The writer of these words, Paul, was a man well acquainted with suffering. He was beaten, rejected, and imprisoned. How did he continue on the journey? He remembered God’s character. God is a God of action – he doesn’t stop at hearing your cry for help. God draws near, listens intently, and has the power to bring peace. Athlete, remember God is near and welcomes your every word – even the angry questions. 

Athlete, God Has Given You Purpose In This Season 

God has given you dignity and worth apart from your performance

“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them… God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.” Gen 1:27 & 31 Humanity is centered at the pinnacle of the Creation story. At this penultimate point in creation, God calls His creation very good. Notice, God calls it very good before humans produced anything. Dignity and purpose is found in God’s goodness. It’s not based on production. Athlete, whether you’re contributing to your team athletically or not – God calls you very good. God has given you inherent goodness regardless of your ability to perform. 

God is always at work in your situation

“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness, for we do not know how we should pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with inexpressible groanings… And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” Romans 8:26 & 28 

All of us will experience pain, disappointment, and some level of suffering in our lifetime. It’s sadly inevitable. But we also have hope that God will one day make all things new. While we sit in hope filled with tension, the Holy Spirit will meet us and provide purpose in the waiting. Athlete, the Holy Spirit is interceding for you. Although you do not know what is to come, you can trust that God is working something good for you. 

God can provide joy in suffering

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

Maybe joy isn’t an emotion here but a mindset. Pure joy is found in the hope that God can use suffering to produce character and maturity. God does not waste an opportunity to grow us in character and wisdom. Where we may only see scarcity and lack, God sees purpose and potential for growth. Athlete, ask God for wisdom and opportunities for growth in this season. Consider it pure joy when you see the fruit of the godly character produced. 

Journey Onward

In life, we will journey through seasons of happiness and seasons of sorrow. We can anchor our hope in the God who does not change. The God who provides His presence in suffering. The God who reshapes pain for good purposes. 

In my own seasons of sorrow, I find myself praying:

“Let me neither ignore my pain, pretending all is okay when it isn’t, nor coddle and magnify my pain so that I dull my capacity to experience all that remains good in this life.”  - A Liturgy for Embracing Both Joy and Sorrow by Every Moment Holy 

May you find yourself in the presence of a good God who comforts us in times of suffering and provides wisdom and joy on the journey to full healing.