The Rugby World Cup is underway in England and it has already delivered some mouth watering encounters and shocking results to fans of the sport everywhere. Probably the result on everyone’s mind right now is the South African team’s 32-34 loss to Japan on Saturday. The Springboks, widely expected to walk over the Brave Blossoms – as the Japanese rugby team are known – faced a braver and more determined opponent than they were prepared for. The rest, as they say, is history.
To be quite honest, I’m not a sports enthusiast and I’m definitely no fan of rugby. As a girl, I find the sport to be a little too violent and rough for my liking. But what I do enjoy, though, is the drama and commotion that erupts whenever giants fall. Whenever the unexpected happens, it’s an opportune moment to learn some valuable life lessons. So, here are some life lessons from the Springboks loss to the Brave Blossoms:
1. Anything can happen. So often, we fool ourselves into believing that because something has never happened before, it’s impossible. If something has never happened in your life or family before, don’t give up. Believe the impossible.
2. Statistics can change. Japan hadn’t won a significant RWC match since the early 1990’s. The stats weren’t in their favor and the odds were stacked against them. This past Saturday, all that changed. They took down a powerhouse. You too can prove the naysayers wrong in your life, regardless of how things have been before.
3. Never underestimate yourself. Often, people – even those we had given respect and put on a pedestal – will put us down and treat us as though we have no value. People will count us out and measure us by their own standards. We should never play along. We have more to offer than any box people can place us in.
Using a rugby shock result as a backdrop, I’m actually talking to you. If you’ve been counted out and feel like nobody sees what’s really in you, take courage and know that God sees you for who you really are. You matter to Him and He has a purpose for you. All you have to do is believe and live with that conviction through the way you live your life.
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