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Red Rover. Red Rover.

Send Ann right over.

There was never any doubt.

For this game, my name was always called first.

Running with all my might – which was pretty slowly – I would try to break through the line of students with hands linked together.

I could never break through!

Lowering my head in defeat, I would then have to join the opposing team.

It did not end there. When it was my new team’s turn to call someone ‘right over,’ that runner often headed straight to where I was standing, because I was a weak link where they knew they could break through.

Due to my Red Rover inadequacies, I developed a simple strategy: If I gave it my all, I might go soaring through the air and end up on the ground. That could hurt. So I did not give it my all.

Instead, I used the ‘run hard, but do not push through at the end’ strategy.

I had no intention of giving my all – I might fall – or – I might fail.

Except – for that one unforgettable day.

I was running along at my usual pace. Everyone knew I would not break through.

But the biggest, baddest, and strongest boy in 3rd grade started running behind me. When I arrived at the opposing team’s line, he picked me up and carried me through.

Everyone clapped. I guess maybe they were tired of me not giving my all.

I had finally broken through… in spite of myself.

Need to break through?

To break through, we have to go through.

Be strong and of good courage. Fear not. The Lord will go before you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

To break through, we have to keep running.

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:14

When trying to break through, we may feel weak, but strength will come.

My grace is sufficient for you. My strength is made perfect in weakness. 2 Corinthians 12:9

When trying to break through, we may fall, but we will be lifted up.

He lifts up those who fall. Psalm 145:14

When trying to break through, we may fail, but God is with us forever.

My flesh and my heart fails, but God is my strength and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

When trying to break through gets really tough, being carried helps.

I will carry you, and will deliver you. Isaiah 46:4

Lord, help us to break through. Amen

Ann is a speaker and teacher. Contact her at annfarabee@gmail.com or https://www.annfarabee.com