Faith @ First - September 12, 2025
Dear Noblesville First Family,
One of the hardest phone calls I’ve ever received as a parent came while I was on a church trip to Israel. Thousands of miles from home, I got the news: “Joshua had to leave the soccer field in an ambulance.”
He had collided with another player, and his knee had been “cleated.” The gash was deep, requiring multiple stitches. Sitting on that bus overseas, I could feel his pain and disappointment. He would be sidelined for weeks.
But when Joshua was finally cleared to play, the schedule set up a rematch with the very team where his injury had happened. That game will forever live in our family’s history. Joshua played like I had never seen before—fierce, determined, relentless. He was on every ball, blocking every shot, moving as if he’d never been hurt. Watching him was more than a proud parent moment—it was a reminder.
Life knocks us down. Whether it’s soccer, football or some other field of life—we all know what it feels like to be cut, sidelined, or slowed down. But being down doesn’t mean we’re out.
Paul wrote it this way in 2 Corinthians 4:9: “Struck down, but not destroyed.” That’s the promise of life with Christ. Our setbacks are real, but they don’t get the last word. With Him, there is always more grace, more strength, more possibility—if we keep showing up.
So whatever field you’re on today, don’t quit. Keep playing. You may be down but you’re not out.
Keep the Faith @First,
Pastor Nicole
