We’ve all felt that nervous energy right before a big moment—the buzzer is about to go off, the pitch is coming, or maybe it’s a big piano recital or a tough test. Your heart is pounding, and you really want to win or do well.
What if I told you that you always have an extra player on your team— an Ultimate Partner Who is always in your corner? That partner is Hashem.
Yehudah’s Win
Think back to Yehudah the Maccabee. When his small team faced the massive Greek army, the odds were not good, to say the least. The Greeks had elephants, chariots, and thousands more soldiers. By the laws of nature, the Maccabees shouldn’t have won.
But they had something stronger than weapons: Emunah.
Yehudah didn’t just tell his men to fight hard; he told them to pray hard. Before every battle, they davened. They knew they had to do their best on the battlefield, but they also needed Hashem’s help to create the miracle victory.
They played their game, and Hashem helped them win in ways no one expected.
Yossi’s Big Game Story
Yossi was playing in the championship soccer game. He was the goalie, and it was down to penalty kicks. Total pressure!
The other team’s best player stepped up and Yossi was shaking. His coach gave him some advice, but his Abba had told him something earlier: “Remember Who’s with you, even when you’re alone in that goal.”
Right before the whistle blew, he quickly whispered a little tefillah: “Hashem, please help me focus. Whatever happens, I know You’re here.”
Yossi wasn’t asking Hashem to just give him the win (we still have to try our best!). He was asking for calm and confidence.
When the kid kicked the ball, he felt totally focused. He dove left—and blocked it!
Did Hashem push the ball away? Maybe not physically, but having that trust made Yossi stand taller, focus harder, and believe in himself. That feeling of partnership is powerful.
How to Suit Up Your Emunah
It’s easy to feel alone when things are tough. But Hashem is always watching the game of your life.
Here are a few ways to remember He’s on your team:
- The Pre-Game Prayer: Before a test, a game, or even a tough conversation, take 30 seconds to talk to Hashem. It can be simple: “Please help me do my best.”
- Say Thanks After: Whether you win or lose, take a moment to say thanks for the strength to play or the lesson you learned.
- Play Fair (Hashem is Watching!): The ultimate team player follows the rules. Showing good sportsmanship is how you honor your “Coach.”
When you remember Hashem is on your team, you’re never playing alone. And with that kind of partnership, you can face anything — just like the Maccabees!
This article was found in Nekuda Tova Issue 62 Chanukah.
