Strong together in physical education!
“Today we’re going to do a team relay!” announced Mr. Meier, her sports teacher, with a smile. “You have to work together as a team to achieve the goal!”
Tom jumped up enthusiastically. He particularly liked sports. But when he looked around, he noticed that Emma was staring nervously at her shoes. “I’m not that fast … And I don’t like it when everyone is looking at me,” she murmured softly.
Lukas sighed. “I can never remember when I have to start running. It’s so embarrassing!”
Hanna looked at her friends and felt that they were unsure. She smiled at her encouragingly. “You know what? We pray together before we start. God can help us to be courageous.”
The four stood at the edge of the hall, closed their eyes for a moment, and Hannah began to pray:
“Dear God, please help us to stick together as a team. Give us courage that we encourage each other and do not have to fight alone. Just as David defeated Goliath with Your help, we can also overcome our fears. Amen.”
“Amen,” the others repeated, and Lukas took a deep breath. “Okay, I’ll try!”
Mr. Meier gave the starting signal, and the first runner from another team raced off. When it was Tom’s turn, he sprinted off with full commitment and handed over the baton to Lukas. He ran as fast as he could and handed over to Hanna, who ran on with firm steps.
Now it was Emma’s turn. She swallowed. Everyone looked at her. But then she heard Hanna’s voice: “You can do it, Emma! We believe in you!”
Emma took the baton and ran. Her legs felt heavy at first, but then she felt a strange lightness – as if she was being carried by the words of her friends. She put her foot in the finish line, just as another team also arrived. “And we have a draw!” exclaimed Mr. Meier enthusiastically.
Tom clapped his hands. “Do you see, Emma? We did it together!”
Emma grinned broadly. “Yes, actually it wasn’t that bad. The prayer really helped me!”
Hanna nodded. “God gives us strength not only for big battles, but also for small challenges – if we stick together!”
Lukas laughed. “Then maybe I’ll even win next time with a little less stumbling!”
The four friends left the sports hall with a good feeling. They had learned that they were much stronger as a team – and that God could accompany them in any situation.
Bible passage
The Bible emphasizes the importance of unity and mutual support, especially in faith and joint action. A suitable Bible passage can be found in
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (Schlachter 2000):
“Two are better off than one alone, for they have a good reward for their labor. For if one falls, his companion helps him up; but woe to the individual who falls without a second person to raise him up!”
These verses illustrate that joint action and mutual support—whether through prayer or cooperation—help overcome challenges.
