Now more than ever, we are struggling to find hope as we cry out to God for help. Our world has been turned upside down, life as we have known it has drastically changed. Our daily rituals, routines and reminders have all been put on hold.

We are staggering at the recent numbers from the Covid-19 crisis and are struggling to find balance during this time of shutdown, social distancing and sheltering. For coaches and athletes, seasons have ended abruptly, practice has been cancelled and schedules are uncertain.

Even when we don’t have answers and have difficulty understanding what’s going on in our world, God’s goal is that we may be encouraged in heart and united in love even now. When we are facing difficult times and major setbacks, we don’t need answers, we need to know Christ.

We need to know the mystery of God and have the full riches of complete understanding. Paul’s goal in writing to the Colossian church was to encourage their hearts so that they would have complete understanding to know the mystery of God, that is, Christ.

He has all the answers. We simply need to live our lives for Him and in Him, strengthened in faith and overflowing with gratitude for His comfort and love.

Reflect: How can you learn more about Christ during this time of crisis? How can you encourage someone else today, maybe teammates or your coach?