A lesson from Wimbledon

So David went on and became great, and the LORD God of hosts was with him. – 2 Samuel 5v10

It is interesting that I would come across this passage today. It is Wimbledon time. Currently two men are resting for the night. Their match was called off last night for darkness.

That may not seem so surprising, but it is the second night in a row that this match has been called for darkness. They have been playing for ten hours. They are in the fifth set and the score is tied at 59-59. Now remember, six games is usually enough to win a set. American John Isner and Frenchman Nicolas Mahut have combined for 193 aces. As they walked off the court last night they were exhausted, but the game will go one. Neither is ready to give up. Mahut said last night, ‘‘Someone has to win. Everyone wants to see the end.’

Neither of these guys may ever win a major, but they will go down in history. They are plodders, they work hard. Neither is willing to quit.

I like plodders. I like the guys who just keep sticking with it no matter what. I don’t really have much use for flashes in the pan that shine for a moment then disappear. I’m not one for trends or momentary heroes. My heroes are those guys who just stick it out year after year after year,’ the guys who keep on keeping on.

David was one of those guys. Rebellions and civil war did not stop him. Tragedy did not stop him. Opposition did not stop him. David went on, and became great, and the Lord was with him.’

I can’t help but be reminded of ‘Don’t be weary in well doing, for in due season you will reap if you don’t quite.’ ‘Be steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord. You know your labour is not in vain in the Lord.’ ‘For this cause we faint not.’

Tired? Just carry on. Opposed? Just carry on. Discouraged? Just carry on.

We may not be great in the way David was, but our reward will be worth it all. Hey, somebody has to win. The nice thing is that we already have. All we have to do is hold on and wait to lift the trophy.