I have found myself back in the middle of football season again. Full of highs and lows (I am a NC State fan and Miami Dolphins fan). But the past couple weeks I have been able to go out and play flag football with some friends. There is not much I enjoy more in life than a good game of football. But with a great game of football comes the soreness afterwards. Our motto when we play is: “If you don’t go home dirty and sore, you didn’t play”. A sore or pulled muscle really makes you appreciate everything that muscle does for you. It makes you realize that muscle is there, and you learn exactly when you use it, because it now hurts to do those things. I have learned to appreciate those muscles and all they allow me to do. I think the same thing is true in life. There are decisions we have to make that are tough, that are hard, that will hurt. But it is when we make those tough decisions we see that God is there, and that He will meet us there. If we do not step out in faith, we never give God a chance to move. But when we do and we see God there, it will make us appreciate Him more, learn to love Him more, and grow in our relationship with Him. I encourage you, take those steps of faith, don’t hold back from the things God has called you to do, and you will be amazed at the results. Hebrews 11:32-34 says, “How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.”