I Never thought I'd Be a Cheerleader

In high school, I didn't go out for the squad. I was never "cheering material". Yet at this point in my life, I realize I've turned into one as an adult.  In fact, Scott and I are both cheerleaders.  It's what we do.  We've been doing it for years. (Little league baseball, soccer, track, volleyball, band, choir, basketball and more). We may as well have pompoms in our hands several times a week.

Tonight we went to Ally's first choir concert at her new school.  We cheered quietly in the dark auditorium.  Tomorrow we will watch Ben and his team play basketball for the Division 2 Championship.  We will cheer loudly from the bleachers.  Next month Drew will fly out of the U.S. en route to his 5th missions trip.  We will cheer from home with our prayers.
 
As I considered this, I couldn't help but think of how God cheers for us. It's true. Our Maker, the One who loves us more than any other, has provided cheerleaders for us every step along our journey.  Check these verses out:

• "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses...let us run the race..." Heb. 13:1 and following
• "Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings on our behalf."  Rom. 8:26
• Jesus has prayed for us.  John 17

That's good stuff!  Do we really need more than that?  I mean, as much as we love and appreciate human cheerleaders, let's face it, they may not always be there when we need them. They might be sick for our "game" or out-of-town or just be busy with their own lives.  No worries, God's got us covered.  He is the only One we can put our whole trust in.  Don't you just love that? 

I know I do.  We're all running our own race.  Life is hard.  There is a lot of pain.  We get defeated.  And lonely.  And frustrated.  And depressed.  We lose our way.  And sometimes we just don't feel like trying anymore.  So, when you're feeling weak, remember the promises God already made to you (because He knew you'd feel that way from time to time).  Imagine those in heaven, who are looking on, waiting for you, cheering you to the finish.  "Just take one more step and another until you get your momentum back. You can do it!"

Did you know we are supposed to be doing this for fellow Christ followers as well?  (Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works. Heb. 10:24)  Maybe you don't have any children to cheer on at sporting or school events.  Maybe you've "been there, done that".  Why  not seek out a weary brother or sister and cheer them on?  Tell them they've done great so far but they need to keep going.  Tell them you're rooting for them.  That you'll pray for them.  That if you can do it, anyone can! It could change someone's destiny...or even just their day.

 Focusing your attention God-ward (and helping others do the same) will be worth it, just like it was for Paul: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."  2 Tim 4:7