Winning at Losing

Bible Reading: Ephesians 4:29–5:2; Philippians 2:5-16

Sabrina placed her colorful game tile down on the table and scowled. “I still can’t add to my train!” she groaned. “How am I going to get rid of all these tiles? This is the worst game EVER. I want to quit!”

Sabrina’s great-grandma, Gi-Gi, placed a tile down on her train. “Mexican Train is an interesting game—you never know what will happen next. When I first started playing with your Grandpapa, I lost three times in a row! Don’t forget, Sabrina, you won the last game.”

“Yeah, but I won’t win this one. I’m trying so hard, but I just keep drawing the wrong tiles! How am I supposed to win if I keep getting tiles like this?”

Gi-Gi studied her tiles thoughtfully. “Sabrina, do you know that you can be a winner at losing?”

“Huh? Gi-Gi, that makes no sense! You can’t win if you lose!”

“Sure you can! The true winner is the one who has a good, loving attitude no matter what happens in the game. The same is true when unfair or frustrating things happen in life.”

“Like the time that bat got into your house, or when you and Grandpapa were on a trip and your car broke down?”

“Exactly! Those things were upsetting, but Grandpapa and I remembered that God is always with us and in control. Can you think of any verses from the Bible that encourage us to respond to life’s challenges with a good attitude?”

“Oh, the one we memorized in church today! Philippians 2:14—‘Do everything without complaining or arguing,’” Sabrina quoted proudly.

Gi-Gi nodded. “When we do that, we shine with the light of Jesus, who gladly gave His life so we could be saved because He loved us. Now that’s winning at losing!”

The game continued, and soon Gi-Gi placed her last tile down on the table and yelled, “Dominos!”

Sabrina took a deep breath. She really wanted to win that game! But instead of complaining about losing, she slowly reached her hand across the table. “Good game, Gi-Gi!” Sabrina gave her great-grandmother a small smile.

Gi-Gi shook Sabrina’s hand and winked at her great-granddaughter. “Now you’re winning at losing!” Savannah Coleman

How About You?

Do you complain and grumble when things don’t go your way? It’s normal to want things to go according to plan, but life doesn’t always cooperate. When faced with things that are frustrating or unfair, we can remember what the Bible says—that our attitudes should reflect the attitude of Jesus. When we’re willing to lose like He was, we shine like stars and reflect His light.

Today’s Key Verse:
Philippians 2:14 Do everything without complaining or arguing. (ERV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Be a winner at losing