247 Articles

What Do You Do When Sports Are Over?

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 14:00:01 GMT

Article By Sarah Freymuth, FCA Communications Manager

God is inviting you into a season of significance.

The last game has been played; last whistle blown. After the last spotlight fades out, your jersey starts collecting dust, and you hang up your sneakers for the last time. What now? Sports has been a huge part of life; there’s no way we can just let it go.

If we’ve staked our entire identity and focus on athletics, the end of the sports road is going to leave us crippled and confused, unsure where our new place in life lies. But, if we’ve placed our hope and identity in God and who we are as His son or daughter, the next season of life is just that: the next season.

If you have a desire to stay involved in sports, there is a reason for this. God plants desires and needs in us so we can join Him in where He’s at work in the world. God isn’t done with you and your love of sports. Could it be He’s even created you with this passion for a purpose you could never imagine?

There are ways God can use that passion for His Kingdom. And He may just be leading you onward; lean in and listen to those stirrings, get in His Word, seek wise counsel and ask God to reveal your next step of obedience.

“I will instruct you and show you the way to go;
with my eye on you, I will give counsel.” –Psalm 32:8

You were made with the knowledge you have for statistics and play calling. Or the way you can score a goal. And, especially, the heart in you that’s turned towards others as you want to encourage those around you with the Gospel.

God has an even greater purpose for you. It wasn’t just about how you could play or coach, but who you could influence for His Kingdom, who you can invest your time and effort into, who you can disciple.

Even now, as you wonder what to do next, God is at work. Listen for His voice leading you forward. Could it be any of the following?

Become a Coach

“For the training of the body has limited benefit, but godliness is beneficial in every way, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” –1 Timothy 4:8

A coach has influence many only dream about. You have the opportunity to invest in the next generation, not only to teach them how to hone their skills, but to step in with the unconditional love of God and point them to a greater purpose outside the game. FCA walks alongside coaches every step of the way, from Coaches Huddles for spiritual growth and like-minded community to resources like E3 Discipleship that seeks to engage, equip and empower you to go and do the same for others.

Volunteer with FCA

“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.” –1 Peter 4:10

Did FCA impact you as a student-athlete? Did your marriage strengthen at a Coaches TimeOut and you now want to provide that opportunity for other coaches? Serve with significance as an FCA volunteer. Become a Character Coach for your local club team, oversee your county’s ministry as a Board Member or sign up to coach at a summer sports camp, among other opportunities that fit your interests.

Join FCA Staff

“Commit your activities to the Lord,
and your plans will be established.” –Proverbs 16:3

You can even live out your calling with a career with FCA. There are open positions across the U.S. and around the globe as FCA lives its vision to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. God’s world is diverse, and so are the people needed to reach every coach and athlete in every sport. Consider joining Team FCA and find the right fit for you.

Get excited—God’s doing something wonderful! He’s taken you on a journey from feeling overwhelmed by the chaos and pressure of life, to a life overflowing with His love. You’re ready for the next step: to get out and get the Good News of Jesus Christ to a generation of coaches and athletes who desperately need His hope.

It’s time for the next step. Where might God be leading you?

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you.” –1 Thessalonians 3:12

Question: How has God been preparing you for your next season? What do you feel He may be leading you toward?

Challenge: Head to FCA.org and read up on the ways to get involved and see if one specific role stands out.

CTA: Where might God be leading you? Get Involved

*If you read this article and aren’t in relationship with Christ yet but would like to know more, we invite you to go through FCA’s The FOUR that explains how an everlasting and fulfilling life with God is possible.

How to Get Strong

Sun, 01 Dec 2024 14:00:03 GMT

Article By Alysia B., FCA Leader

It’s time to work out our spiritual strength to be who God wants us to be.

Did you know that when you start a strength training program, you are not actually building more muscle but simply engaging the muscles you already have in the first four to eight weeks? It isn’t until you begin to work and engage your muscles fully, and therefore build your nervous system connections with your muscles, that you tap into the potential that is already there.

While you may feel that you are stronger, able to lift things in daily life and do things you couldn’t do before you are actually engaging the muscles you already had. After that initial phase, you do begin to put on muscle if you continue to increase the workload. Doing the work to engage and build your muscle has so many benefits in life, and it feels so rewarding. You begin to experience the results of all your hard work as you find you can do things you couldn’t do before. It could mean you don’t get tired from daily life so you have energy for active recreation at the end of the day, or it could be entering a race or making a team. You could have the ability to try new things like rock climbing or skiing or kayaking. Newfound strength is fun.

These same principles apply to our spiritual life. We are not to sit idly by and wait for God to zap us into spiritual strength. We are to work at it.

“Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive His approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” –1 Timothy 2:15, NLT

Other translations begin with other action phrases including do your best, make every effort and be diligent. It is clear we are to work hard so we can present ourselves to God, being a worker ready to do good for Him. We have so much strength potential already available, we just need to get to work and connect our hearts and minds with His Word and realize we have what we need to be strong.

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.” –Ephesians 6:10

Talk about having strength potential already available to us! What does it look like to get strong in the Lord and in His mighty power? That might mean reading your Bible regularly and praying, trusting Him with your days. You will feel spiritually stronger by spending time with Him, and you will see the results each day. You may want to join a Bible study group, take a course, go on a retreat or find a mentor.

You can continue to grow your spiritual “muscles” so you can present yourself ready to do whatever He asks you to do. That may mean having the strength to face your challenges with hope or encouraging a friend and giving them hope when they are in need. You may be able to consider doing things you wouldn’t have before like leading a small group or Huddle, volunteering with a ministry or speaking at an event.

Both physically and spiritually, you must continue to work hard to keep your strength. Continuing to be diligent and making every effort to stay strong means you cannot rely on past efforts to carry you. Each day is a chance for you to build your spiritual muscles and see where God is at work. Being strong brings opportunities you never imagined and it is worth every effort.

What strength plan are you going to make to get physically stronger?

What strength plan are you going to make to get spiritually stronger?

“Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong. And do everything with love.” –1 Corinthians 16:13-14

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you.” –1 Thessalonians 3:12

Question: What does true strength look like to you?

Challenge: Choose an area of the spiritual life you’d like to grow in—prayer, Bible reading, discipleship, etc.—and make a game plan for how you will seek God’s direction in it.

CTA: If you’re jump shot isn’t where it should be, you spend more time after practice working the range of shots. If you don’t make weight for your wrestling meet, you work extra on cardio and strength training to make sure you hit it next weigh in. Like our physical training, we need to know what we need for our spiritual wellbeing and the steps to take to get there. Strengthen your spiritual muscles with FCA’s THE CORE .

How to Live Out Your Influence as an Athlete

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 14:00:05 GMT

Article By Emily Hill, FCA Texas Representative

You have influence. Use it for the glory of God and good of others.

As athletes, we have influence. We can endorse our favorite sports teams, brands, or causes and make a difference on our team, in our schools, and in our communities. But have you ever thought of how we can leverage our level of influence and live out a life that honors and glorifies God?

This is a question I found myself asking as an 8 ^th grader. As a junior varsity player, I was invited to practice with the varsity girls basketball team at my high school. While I was grateful for the opportunity to elevate my game, I was fearful of making a mistake and not fitting in with the older girls. I had never considered how God had strategically placed me on this team, at this time, for a specific purpose.

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.” –1 Timothy 4:12

I couldn’t help being the youngest one on the court, and I decided it would be my personal mission to boldly live out my influence as an athlete and ask God to help my words, actions, and attitudes glorify Him.

Let’s dive deeper into how we can use our own words, actions and attitudes to glorify God as athletes.

Words

As we scroll though social media, stream live games or match up against hometown rivals, we unfortunately hear a lot of coaches and athletes saying things and speaking in tones that are not pleasing to the Lord. Most people dismiss what is said during competitions, excusing it because it’s often said in the heat of the game. But as followers of Jesus, we are called to be different.

What if we gave helpful reminders of the next play so we don’t repeat our mistakes instead of yelling to blame our teammates after an error? What if we spoke words of encouragement to our teammates? Let’s look to be the example in what we say.

“No foul language should come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.” –Ephesians 4:29

Actions

Making an impact as athletes goes far beyond what we say; we must follow through with our actions in the way we live. Everyone is watching during the game, but it’s often the seemingly unnoticeable things that matter the most to God. The little things we do have a big impact on our lives. Whatever type of effort we put in, the appropriate results will follow. Do we complete every rep and touch every line even when our coach’s back is turned?

Even when people aren’t watching, there’s no hiding from the Lord, who sees all things. (Proverbs 15:3) When we choose to live and compete for Him on and off the court, God helps us live out our influence as athletes through the power of His Holy Spirit.

“Don’t be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a person sows he will also reap, because the one who sows to his flesh will reap destruction from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. Let us not get tired of doing good, for we will reap at the proper time if we don’t give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.” -Galatians 6:7-10

Attitude

While it is great to say and do the right things, our attitude makes all the difference. The reason we say and do things reveals a lot about the posture of our hearts.

Our attitudes as Christian athletes must be full of love: Love for God and our teammates; love that leads us to walk with the Lord (John 15:9-17); love that grows in our love for others (1 John 4:19-21); love that teaches us how to live (Ephesians 1:4). The greatest example of a loving attitude comes from God who loved us and gave us His Son (John 3:16). Because of His love for us, we have the opportunity to shine the light of His love in the sports world.

“He said to him, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command.’” –Matthew 22:37-38

Live in such a way that you’ll have a teammate notice something different in your words, actions, and attitudes. This will be your opportunity to live out your influence as an athlete and share the hope found in Jesus Christ.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you.” –1 Thessalonians 3:12

Question: How does what you say and do reflect your relationship with God?

Challenge: Find an accountability partner who will call you out when you aren’t representing Christ well and who will encourage you in His love to live out your faith.

CTA: As athletes, we have influence. We can endorse our favorite sports line, and make a difference on our team, in our schools and in our communities. How can we leverage our level of influence to live out a life that honors and glorifies God? Discover how through the E3 Discipleship journey.

Redefining Winning

Fri, 01 Nov 2024 13:00:05 GMT

Article By Mark Long, FCA Endurance Representative

Jesus’ life and example redefines true winning.

Consider how much energy, time and resources go into building a winning team. It’s a central focus from youth teams to professional sports. If a team is not winning, changes are made to position that team to be successful. Some colleges are even seen as successful or not based on their football team’s win/loss record.

Much of a team’s success is based on the effectiveness of the coaching staff. They spend hours recruiting the best players, developing a playbook, practicing, and coaching them to win. Their success is measured by the scoreboard for a single season. Worldly success is often measured by our achievements or accomplishments.

One example of someone who defined success and winning differently was the late John Wooden, the most successful coach in the history of college basketball. Here are some of his quotes that defined him as a winning coach:

· “A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life.”

· “A coach’s primary function should be not to make better players, but to make better people.”

· “A good coach will make his players see what they can be rather than what they are.”

· “Success comes from knowing that you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.”

John Wooden is an outstanding role model for many coaches today. An even better role model, however, is Jesus Christ, the most successful person of all time. How did Jesus define success and winning? How did He demonstrate it and how can we follow?

Jesus knew His assignment and life purpose. He knew and perfectly followed God's will, and He embraced His calling. He was laser focused on putting God the Father first.

"For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me." -John 6:38

Jesus never lost sight of His mission, willing to make great sacrifices, even when scorned and criticized.

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” –Hebrews 12:2

He developed and inspired His team, coaching them in life, not just in the task at hand. He accepted them just as they were but believed in what they could become.

“And he said to them, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’” –Matthew 4:19

He loved and served God and others. He focused His energy and attention on others, not Himself.

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” –Philippians 2:5-8

He depended on God the Father, always desiring to please Him.

“So Jesus said to them, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own authority, but speak just as the Father taught me. And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to him.’” –John 8:28-29

Jesus was goal oriented with the end in mind, and He stayed close to His team.

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” –Matthew 28:19-20

Success and winning in life isn't just about how much you have or what you've achieved—it's about how you fulfill God’s purpose for your life and the impact you have on those around you for Christ. From God’s standpoint, success means walking in His way. Deuteronomy 10:12 states it this way: “What does the Lord your God require from you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul?”

Winning in life is living, leading and loving like Jesus.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you.” –1 Thessalonians 3:12

Question: How does looking at the life of Jesus inspire you to adjust your way of competing and living?

Challenge: List out the areas of your life where you need to depend on God, and then ask Him to come into those areas and help you in them.

CTA: We normally think of winning in terms of successful games and coming at the top of our conference. But what does winning truly look like? What does it really mean? What if we shift the definition to include another way of performing or coaching? Get Involved with FCA

How to Live Out Your Influence as a Coach

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 13:00:05 GMT

Article By Jake Hannon, FCA Buffalo Director

God has a specific call on your life as a coach.

King Solomon, the wisest and wealthiest man on earth, summed up his take on life with this:

“I have seen all the things that are done under the sun; all of them are meaningless, a chasing after the wind.” –Ecclesiastes 1:14

If everything has very little meaning, according to King Solomon, why do we coach?

If it was just about winning, coaching would indeed be empty. Our trophies, our money , and our fame would die with us. But, because God has called us to coach, coaching has a purpose that outlasts this world. Our job as coaches is not just about coaching, it is about discipleship.

There is a distinction between coaching and discipleship.

As coaches, we call plays, make halftime adjustments, watch our athletes’ form, give pregame speeches, work with AD’s, assistant coaches, trainers, and staff, and put out fires constantly (just to give a few examples). Every coach sets out to be a winner. But we must remember that no matter how many games we win, our greatest victory is to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:16-20) and to spiritually develop those under our influence.

The demand for performance in sports creates a wonderful opportunity for discipleship. This is a world in which God wants to bring His Kingdom in powerful ways. God is a gentle Father who, despite our pain, mistakes and shortcomings, reminds us of our identity as sons and daughters (Galatians 4:4-7). He is present as a faithful friend who leads us and labors with us (John 15:15). He longs to reveal His secrets to us, even when we are out there playing a game and doing the thing we love (Jeremiah 33:3). He has so much for us to learn, we just have to be paying attention.

“Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to heaven, You are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, You are there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.” –Psalm 139:7-10

If God is in the heights and the depths, don’t you think He is also on the pitcher’s mound, the team bus, the ice bath and the 50-yard line in every game, every season?

Who can help our athletes see God during the grind of a sports season? Who can point them to a better narrative for their lives, opposing what the world tells them? The coaches who are also in the locker rooms, at the team dinners and at the press conferences alongside their athletes are positioned to do this. Coaches have been in the same shoes as their players, and coaches have the greatest potential to shape history by choosing to not just coach, but to disciple their athletes.

Don’t be afraid to step back from the grind of coaching and ask God, “How can I be discipling my players?” As a coach, you have so much more to offer your players than you think. Don’t become so engulfed in the demands of coaching that you forget your calling. Sometimes we will take heat for it. Discipleship is often risky, but always worth it.

“But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you ; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” –1 Peter 3:14-16

Coach: Remember that God is waiting for you at your next team meeting and on the sidelines of your next practice. He can’t wait to see you and show you how He wants to reveal Himself to you and your team so you experience deeper relationship and connection.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you.” –1 Thessalonians 3:12

Question: Think of one of the best coaches you’ve had. What made him or her so different? What did you respect about the way they coached?

Challenge: Make a point to thank a fellow coach for doing what they do and recognize all the time and effort they put into the team.

CTA: A coach has incredible influence, both for positive or negative results. What are the best ways to serve your team out of the love of Christ and share life-changing influence? Take FCA’s 360 Coaching Course to find out.

Living from the Overflow

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 21:11:29 GMT

Article By Sarah Freymuth, FCA Communications Manager

Jesus gives us all we need to live an abundant life.

When we find our name on the final roster, our chests fill with excitement, pride and anticipation. What we’ve worked toward and hoped for has become reality! When we love something, we put everything we have into it. That could be our sport, a hobby, or even a specific area of study we want to turn into a career. We live and breathe what’s important to us. But this can lead to a rickety foundation if what we’ve placed our hope in disappoints us or crumbles unexpectedly.

The sure bet of building a life around something that sustains is building from the overflow of God’s love. God gave Jesus to take our sin and introduce us to a life of value, meaning and impact.

“’A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come so that they may have life and have it in abundance.’” –John 10:10

Jesus pointed out how vastly different the thief of our souls is from our Savior. Where the enemy leads us down a path of discord, hurt and destruction, Jesus, our good Shepherd, brings a life full of abundance, unity and light.

How great would it be to live out of a fullness that comes from staying close to God? There are a few things to keep us in close relationship with God that let us live joyfully, attentive and intentional.

God has so much more in store for us than we can even imagine. Beyond any championship, accolade or success, God wants to give us an abundant life in Him. How does living out of the fullness He promises make a difference in both our lives and in the lives of those around us?

Take a minute and listen to the voice of Jesus, reminding you of what it looks like to live in the promises and overflow of His love.

Overflowing Joy

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit that is produced in us by the power of the Holy Spirit when we choose to see situations with an eternal lens. Even in our trials, God can grow a deeper joy that isn’t dependent on what we face, but who we face it with. Deep-rooted joy is intriguing, and others will notice this in you and want to know how you remain joyful, even in the middle of hard things.

“You reveal the path of life to me;
in your presence is abundant joy;
at your right hand are eternal pleasures.” –Psalm 16:11

Overflowing Hope

God’s promises fill us with ultimate hope that does not disappoint. We know that in the end, He will make all things right, and we can look to Him in all our circumstances to build confidence that in Christ, no situation is impossible, and there is always more to come.

“Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.” –Romans 8:24-25

Overflowing Grace

Grace abounds over and over. For as many times as we slip and stumble, God guides us back to His mercy and love. The more grace God gives, the more we receive. And the more we receive, the more we get to be vessels of that grace and extend it to the people around us. Grace gives more than we can imagine, and it’s what sets God’s love apart.

“Indeed, we have all received grace upon grace from his fullness, for the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” –John 1:17-18

Living from the overflow brings a deep and lasting peace that can only come from fully abiding in the Lord. Recognize His joy, hope and grace for you; receive it, and let it settle within you. This is the full life Jesus promises. Choose the way of God’s grace, and step into all the abundance that comes from our good Shepherd.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you.” –1 Thessalonians 3:12

Question: What are the things that drain you, and what things fill you up? What do you need to live a life overflowing in Christ?

Challenge: Make a list of the things that bring you joy, and do one of those things today.

CTA: Want a deeper look into living from the overflow? Jump into October’s Discovery Bible Study set and soak in what Scripture says about this way of living: DBS 24/7

Compete for Something More

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 21:05:32 GMT

Article By Arbor Diggs

It’s time to shift our focus on who God is and the purpose He has for us beyond the scoreboard.

Adam was the quarterback for his high school football team. When asked, “What is your dream?” Adam responded with, “I want to be the starting quarterback and win a state championship.” Adam’s sophomore and junior year, his team went on to win two state championships, but he was not the starter. Half of his dream had come true. Senior year came and so did the second half of his dream. He started all year and took his team to the championship game; a third ring was added. However, in the locker room while everyone was cheering, Adam’s head hung low. He had accomplished his dream, so why was he so sad?

Everyone told him to go for his dreams, but no one ever prepared him for life after his dream was over. Adam realized too late that there was something larger to compete for, that life continues past the scoreboard.

We all need a mindset that renews our outlook on athletics. When we have a renewed outlook on how we play, coach, interact and compete, we realize that we compete for something more than wins; life is about more than championships. God has a deeper purpose for our sport and our competitive nature that lets us compete for something more. But what is this more?

There is a famous battle that took place in history: David vs Goliath. Most of us know this battle well. David beats Goliath and becomes the victor. But there is a part to the story most forget, the reason why David fought in the first place. When we turn to Scripture, we see in 1 Samuel 17:25 that, “The king will make the man who kills him very rich and will give him his daughter. The king will also make the family of that man’s father exempt from paying taxes in Israel.” Whoever defeated Goliath would win the ultimate championship: riches, a wife and a free home. But David doesn’t go into battle for what he would get from it, but for what God would get from it.

When we see David’s words before battle, he is not speaking of all that will come from his victory; instead, we see him pursuing a victory for God:

“’What will be done for the man who kills that Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?’... ‘The Lord who rescued me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will rescue me from the hand of this Philistine.’” –1 Samuel 17:26,37

David had a mindset that the battle was not about himself or the win, but all about God. David knew there was life beyond the battle.

God’s deeper purpose in all seasons of competition is to glorify Him.

So how do we glorify God and compete for something bigger?

Give It to God

Before any practice, game or workout, give it all to God. When you give it to Him, that means you recognize that every success, accomplishment and victory is from Him. Since it comes from His hands, it’s in His hands, and you can give Him all the glory. That is what it looks like to compete with a deeper purpose.

“Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory because of Your faithful love, because of Your truth.” –Psalm 115:1

Take Your Eyes Off the Scoreboard

Whether you are playing or coaching, checking the score and time is important and vital; however, it is not the only important thing to look at. God desires for you to glorify Him and love others. When you take your eyes off the scoreboard and begin looking toward those around you, you will begin to see how your teammates could use prayer, support, encouragement, or even Gospel conversations. You can have the highest score, but if you don’t love your teammates well, you will miss the deeper purpose.

“If I speak human or angelic tongues but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing.” –1 Corinthians 13:1-2

Success Isn't Defined By Wins

Success is more than wins. Times of injury, setbacks and discouragement can be opportunities for you to grow and see God at work in your life and your team. Success is defined not by if you win, but if you grow. Moments of trials and hardships can grow you into a better teammate, athlete, friend and disciple of Christ if you allow them to. Having a mindset where success isn’t defined by a win will allow you to compete freely and purposefully.

When we have a renewed outlook that focuses on God instead of the X’s and O’s and wins and losses, we begin to compete for something more. Championship winning Adam may have learned this too late, but we are learning right on time. True and meaningful life exists beyond the scoreboard.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “… and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” –Ephesians 3:19

Question: How can you serve and love your teammates well?

Challenge: When you run into a challenge, try to see it as a way of refinement and look for God to show up in it.

CTA: Replenishment gives us a renewed outlook on how we play, coach, interact and compete. It’s not so much about the X’s and O’s and wins and losses, for a deeper level of competition that brings glory and attention to God. Learn more through FCA’s E3 Discipleship Course: E3

You Don't Have to Do It All

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 14:19:07 GMT

Article By Tanja Hansen, FCA Minnesota Administrative Assistant

Surround yourself with people who will encourage you and keep you close to Jesus.

As a swimmer, I always viewed my sport as very independent. After all, most of my time was spent with my head under the water while the noise of the world remained above. However, one of the perks of swimming breaststroke was hearing my teammates cheer me on as I raced up and down the pool, their voices breaking through the muffled sound of the crowd when my ears broke the surface with each stroke.

Not surprisingly, my times rapidly improved when my teammates were cheering me on. Their encouragement not only made the race more fun, but it also made me better.

In a world that often celebrates independence and self-sufficiency, it's easy to forget that we were never meant to go through life on our own. In 1 Thessalonians 5, Paul reminds us of the incredible strength and freedom that comes from leaning on the Lord and each other. Contrary to societal pressures, we don't have to carry every burden by ourselves. We were built for community, accountability and mutual support.

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up as you are already doing." –1 Thessalonians 5:11

This verse encapsulates the essence of encouragement, yet it's essential to delve deeper into the meaning of this encouragement. It goes beyond simply cheering each other on. It's about inspiring one another to live a life that aligns with the profound truth of our salvation and the hope of eternal life.

Paul, the author of Thessalonians, knew the power of encouragement. In this verse, he encourages believers to be encouragers themselves. He emphasizes that our ability to encourage and build each other up stems from the truth of our salvation and the transformative effects of that salvation. We were not just saved in isolation; we are called to help fellow believers experience glorious transformation and embrace a victorious future.

Paul's example of encouragement can be found in the preceding verses (1 Thessalonians 5:4-10). He challenges the Thessalonians by reminding them of their identity as children of the light, thanks to their faith in Jesus. This means being vigilant and utilizing the armor of faith, love and salvation bestowed upon them by God through Jesus Christ.

Children of the Light

Paul underscores the significance of recognizing our identity in Christ. Believers are children of the light, called to live in the knowledge that we have been redeemed and are now bearers of God's truth and grace.

Armor of Faith, Love and Salvation

Paul encourages believers to equip themselves with the armor of faith, love and salvation. These spiritual armaments provide protection and strength, allowing us to navigate the challenges of life with resilience and encourage our fellow believers to do the same.

The Role of Community

Paul's message is clear: We are not alone in this journey. We need each other for mutual encouragement and accountability. Just as iron sharpens iron, we can help one another grow, mature and stand firm in our faith.

As we look to Paul's example, we see that encouragement is rooted in understanding our identity as children of the light and equipping ourselves with the armor of God (see Ephesians 6:10-18). Through community and mutual support, we can fulfill the call to encourage one another and build each other up, resulting in a life of glorious transformation and a future filled with victory.

Let us embrace the power of encouragement, recognizing that we don't have to go through life alone, and that our true strength lies in Christ with the support of a community of believers. They make life more fun, and they make us better.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “… and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” –Ephesians 3:19

Question: Who are the people in your community? How do they help you grow in your faith?

Challenge: If you don't have these people around you yet, pray that God would bring the right people you could invite to meet with on a regular basis. We are better together.

CTA: As athletes, we deal with a thousand things at once. Practice, schoolwork, relationships, pressure in performing for a starting spot–it can all be too much. Find a way that brings the right kind of balance and rhythm: The CORE .

How to Find Balance as an Athlete

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 15:01:09 GMT

Article By Haley Barnes, FCA Colorado State University Representative

Prioritizing time with Jesus is foundational for our days.

As athletes, our schedules are filled to the brim. The day kicks off with the alarm blaring in our ear to remind us of morning weightlifting. We hurry out the door with our lunches in tow and double check that our homework is completed.

Each day is often filled with the busyness of repetition as both a student and an athlete. Many items pile up: exams, relationships, friendships, study hall, practice, competition… the list hardly ever ends.

To ensure success and continued motivation, we must live in balance. Everything needs to be structured in equal distribution to prevent burnout, injuries and exhaustion.

It is vital to keep Jesus at the center of our chaotic, athletic schedules as He is the source of our continuous renewing every day.

“But those who hope in the Lord

Will renew their strength;

they will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary

they will walk and not grow faint.” –Isaiah 40:31

How do we find this balance we crave?

Prioritize Time with Jesus

“You are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of his household, build on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.” –Ephesians 2:19-21, NIV

A cornerstone is a paramount piece to the entire structure of a building. It is the first brick that gets laid down, and every other piece gets stacked according to its position. The cornerstone determines the outcome, shape, foundation and design of the whole architectural plan.

Paul writes in Ephesians with emphasis that Jesus Himself is the cornerstone of our lives. We spend most time with those of highest value to us. Despite our busy schedules, it is foundational and biblical to prioritize time with Jesus. Rising a few minutes early to spend time in prayer and in God’s Word is doable. If we show up a few minutes early to practice, there is time to open a Bible and read a verse or to pray with a teammate before competition in the locker room.

When we keep Jesus as our highest priority, we will naturally keep our schedules in check by arranging them around our cornerstone. If we miss out on our time with Jesus, who is the cornerstone of our lives, then our schedules will start to slip out of place, resulting in a collapse.

Seek God's Word Daily

A characteristic of a great athlete is the art of discipline. As a follower of Christ, we must know God’s Word as truth. To grow in a relationship with another person, you must spend time and effort getting to know them. Seeking God’s Word is the way of intimate and personal relationship with our heavenly Father.

By seeking God’s Word daily, we are preparing and disciplining ourselves with the truth of God and nourishing our souls to withstand busy days.

“’For I know the plans I have for you,’” declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’” –Jeremiah 29:11

God holds our plans and future. As we live out busy lives, it is important that we are keeping in step with God. By staying in His Word, we are tuning in to God’s plans and purposes for us. In doing so, we will find strength through His Word to compete in all our God-given potential.

Practice Sabbath

“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from His.” -Hebrews 4:9-10

Sabbath is a holy day of rest and worship given to us by the Lord. The Lord rested on the seventh day after creating the heavens and Earth. (Genesis 2) It is so easy to let our schedules rule over us, but by partaking in Sabbath, we enter into God’s design of true rest that is biblical and best for us so we can be refreshed and ready to go through our days, saturated in God’s love.

In keeping our schedules balanced, it is important to find time to rest and replenish. We work hard, but when we build our lives on God’s truth and character, we are declaring our trust and faith in who He is and how He moves through our days. What a gift it is to rest in Him!

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “… and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” –Ephesians 3:19

Question: How can you prioritize time with Jesus? What could that look like in your daily life?

Challenge: Set alarms throughout the day to remind to you to check in with Jesus. How has your day been? Is there anything you want to take to Him? Allow Him time to respond.

CTA: Contrary to what society tells you, you don’t have to do it all. We really weren’t made to do it all. We have limitations that let us lean on the Lord for His strength and direction, and that gives us incredible freedom. Start the FCA 24/7 YouVersion plan and do other plans together with your community.

For the Joy

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 14:00:02 GMT

Article By Mindy Hopman, FCA Florida Regional Director of Ministry Advancement

Discover a deeper joy that stays with you in every situation.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.” –Philippians 4:4, ESV

Sometimes, we say words we didn't intend to say or yell a little too loudly. Sometimes, the conversation doesn’t go where it should have gone. Sometimes, we don’t give 100% in training. Sometimes, we travel down the wrong path or make a choice that leads us further from God instead of closer to Him.

Our sinful nature, traced back and rooted in the will of Adam and Eve, hits us right in the face, and we fall hard. Rest assured: God gives us second chances. We all get re-dos and new beginnings.

In golf, a new beginning is called a mulligan. Whether it’s a new year or a new day, Christ gives us a chance to make all things new because all things are made new in Christ.

“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” –Ezekiel 36:26, ESV

Our belief in Christ gives us a new heart and a new spirit. From the beginning of our walk with Him, He covers us with His grace and, as a result, bears fruit within us!

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.” –Galatians 5:22-23, ESV

Instead of hate, where Jesus resides, there is love.
Instead of defeat, where Jesus resides, there is joy.
Instead of worry, where Jesus resides, there is peace.
Instead of hurrying, where Jesus resides, there is patience.
Instead of meanness, where Jesus resides, there is kindness.
Instead of ugliness, where Jesus resides, there is goodness.
Instead of cheating, where Jesus resides, there is faithfulness.
Instead of harshness, where Jesus resides, there is gentleness.
Instead of chaos, where Jesus resides, there is self-control.

We need to know how to train because we have an adversary, and the world will come against us to stifle fruit growth. Crowds, noise and a fast-paced life keep coaches, athletes and coaches' spouses distracted. In that space, God meets us and helps us grow by creating an urgency to carve out time to cultivate the fruit.

The key is recognizing that we need to train both physically and spiritually to be stronger.

Daily training occurs when we read the Word, study the Word, worship, pray and learn from other believers.

Our training produces endurance.
Endurance produces character.
Character produces hope.
Hope is where we find joy!

We look for joy in our family, friends and sports.
Joy is not found there.
We try to find it in fun, thrill-seeking or relaxing beach escapes.
Joy is not found there.
We look for joy in all the wrong places.

When joy is based on the consistency of our faith, we can have joy even when the outcome is not in our favor. Joy comes from the victory found in Jesus and the strength to play that comes from being one with Him.

What about the joy set before you?

Where are you right now? What are you going through? Are you facing tough challenges? Please don’t throw in the towel. First, settle in your heart that for the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the cross. (Hebrews 12:2) Whatever He is asking you to do, whatever trial you are experiencing, even the things you are striving for and reaching for today, He will see you through when He is in you. There is joy on the other side!

Faith allows our souls to trust, and trust allows our hearts to surrender. In the surrender, we find joy.

When we reach the end of ourselves, we find Him–and then we learn He has been there the entire time, patiently waiting for us.

In His presence, fullness of joy is found, and joy may be found in all places because, in all places, He is fully present.

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence, there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” –Psalm 16:11, ESV

Joy is found in knowing you are loved, living fully for Him , and loving others. This is the joy that lasts.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “… and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” –Ephesians 3:19

Question: Where do you find your joy? Have you been lacking joy? How can you ask Jesus to revive your joy?

Challenge: Find a teammate who needs a little encouragement and give them something that will bring them joy. It could be a note, a kind word or the truth that Jesus loves them.

CTA: Where does true joy lie? In a championship? In an end of season award? There is a deeper joy than accolades, and it comes from knowing Christ. Know more: The FOUR

How to Find Balance as a Coach

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 18:34:31 GMT

Article By Mark Jones, FCA Central Maine Representative

Questions to ask yourself when you are stretched too thin.

“Balance provides the chance for longevity. You can be a champion at work and at home.”

This piece of wisdom is courtesy of former NFL coach Tony Dungy. His friend and former coach Herm Edwards said Dungy was about faith, family and football, in that order, no exceptions.

At times, we feel we must “burn the candle at both ends” just to get everything done. Here are some sobering stats from a coach’s perspective: On average, a college football coach will work 75 hours a week, while watching 14 hours of film, and doing seven hours of recruiting per week. That is a lot of candle-burning!

Other coaches—high school, middle school and so on—may not be “full-time” coaches, but they are likely working a full-time job and still sticking to the rigors of a coaching responsibility. That can fuel stress! These coaches could be spouses and/or parents, people who do community service, people with cars and houses to maintain or bills to pay. Perhaps they are deacons or elders in their churches. All the pressures add up.

There is no shortage of opportunities that sound fun and even glamourous or prestigious. But opportunities can come with baggage that adds to an already-burdened person.

So, what can be done?

Coach, if you find balance hard, ask yourself these questions:

Do you have margin?

Jesus Himself taught us about margin. Mark 1:35 says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, He (Jesus) got up, went out, and made His way to a deserted place; and there He was praying.”

Multiple Gospel accounts have Jesus removing Himself from everyone else, and most of the time He was in prayer. Here it mentioned prayer specifically, but the point is important things in life need time. As Jesus role-modeled, time to pray is important. If you are a spouse and/or a parent, the people in your family are important. Rest is important.

What gives you energy?

The “spiritual disciplines” are important. In the above verse, Jesus modeled two: solitude and prayer. After fasting for 40 days in the wilderness (mentioned in Luke 4 and Matthew 4), Jesus was challenged by the devil to make stones into bread. Jesus then quoted Deuteronomy 8:3:

“…man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD.”

The word used for “live” in both the Old and New Testaments means to “quick.” Our animation, our ability to live and operate as Christians, comes from God’s Word, not just the food on our table.

Once we learn to build in margins, we can properly nourish our spirit with a proper diet of the Lord and His Word.

What is your focus?

As a coach, there is a charge of excitement when one of your athletes gets that scholarship or succeeds at the next level. There is nothing wrong with that, unless that is all your coaching is about. Colossians 3:17 says, “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Coaching to the glory of God does two things. First, it keeps your focus where it needs to be. Mistakes by players, or even your mistakes, are not life or death. You will see great teaching moments about life, not solely sport. Secondly, you give God thanks by coaching for Him. Your coaching is a praise to the Lord who gave you everything to coach as you do, including His Son.

Do you serve?

It might sound like more work, but God, through the disciple Peter, gives us a directive about serving.

“Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God. If anyone speaks, let it be as one who speaks God’s words; if anyone serves, let it be from the strength God provides, so that God may be glorified through Jesus Christ in everything.” –1 Peter 4:10-11

By making time to serve away from your sport, you uplift others with the gifts you have been given. Plus, serving takes focus off yourself and puts it on another. Compassion for others can go a long way towards not feeling over-burdened.

Don’t let the burden win. Bring it to your Lord. Jesus died to untie you from burdens. Live in this truth and see what God does with not just your coaching, but your life.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “… and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” –Ephesians 3:19

Question: Do you have margin in your life? If not, how might you be able to shape your time to make some ?

Challenge: Make some time to step away for a day, or even a few hours, and get quiet with God. Ask Him about your schedule and life, and ask Him to see where you can make changes to better live in rhythm with Him and the people He’s entrusted to you.

CTA: Coaches juggle a lot, but it can often seem like the scales fall unbalanced. To help discern what it look like to maintain a rhythm of renewal as a coach in Christ, visit FCA’s The CORE .

What Refuels You?

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 13:30:03 GMT

Article By Sarah Freymuth, FCA Communications Manager

Jesus is the source of living water that empowers us to keep going.

Seasons get long. Our bodies get tired. Our minds get worn down.

It’s inevitable. Eventually, we will hit a lull in our workouts, a plateau we can’t seem to get past.

The grind of game time gets us weary when we’re smack dab in the middle of a season with still a ways to go.

Add on top of that, our home lives, homework and the expectations of others can all seem to mount at the same time. It can feel like too much, making us want to burrow under the blankets and take our time getting out of bed.

We need replenishment. True replenishment.

Not just a quick fix like a Netflix binge, but something deeper, lasting. We are in desperate need of slowing down and replenishing our weary souls with the deep and quenching waters of Jesus Christ.

And Jesus knows this. He’s known it from the beginning, as He knows it now. He offers grace to us in abundance, where we drink living water that does not stop flowing.

“On the last and most important day of the festival, Jesus stood up and cried out, ‘If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. The one who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, will have streams of living water flow from deep within him.’” –John 7:37-38

In this story, Jesus had arrived during the Jewish Feast of Tabernacles, where crowds have swelled to their peak and the people packed into Jerusalem to remember God’s provision in the wilderness and to look ahead to the coming of the promised Messiah. He began teaching in the temple and engaging with the Pharisees and religious leaders. This was a heated moment, as more and more people were gathering to hear what Jesus had to say. Looking around, Jesus saw how weary they were, tired from the pilgrimage journey and laboring under the law. He knew what the people needed. And He offered it to them eagerly, urgently. He offered them Himself through the metaphor of streams of living water.

We all thirst. And we all find ways to quench it—although some ways are holier than others. Underneath our disguise is an earnest need for what only Jesus can give. For true replenishment, you need to let Jesus:

Nourish You

If you haven’t put your faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, or if you’ve filled up your heart with the things of this world and Jesus is asking for His space back, take a moment to confess where you have fallen short and placed other things as more important. Recognize that Jesus has taken on the sin and shame that was yours and given you eternal life with God the Father through His death and resurrection. Surrender to His love and invite Him to be Lord of your life.

“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” –Romans 10:13

Sustain You

Jesus wants to be in your everyday life. He wants you to know Him just as much as He knows you. Carve out times of quiet with Him, where you can prepare your heart in praise and be open to hear what God may want to share with you. Read the Bible; this is where He reveals Himself the most and where your mind and heart transform through the power of His active Word.

“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” –Romans 12:2

Challenge You

Following Him isn’t easy. It’s a constant battle of flesh and spirit, will and mind. Sometimes, He will call us to difficult obedience, like giving up a bad habit that isn’t best for us. Other times, He’ll give us something to think about, a way of living we’ve never considered. God’s goal is sanctification—becoming holy and purified, like Jesus. By His Spirit, we can open up our hearts to be changed for our good and God’s glory.

“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. And may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” –1 Thessalonians 5:23

When we feel depleted from a never-ending season, we can go to Him to be refilled. When we’re discouraged, He will feed us truth. Jesus is the source of living water that empowers us to keep going as we live and work out of His overflow.

What nourishes your soul? Let God refuel you today.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “… and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” –Ephesians 3:19

Question: What refuels you? Is it a lasting refueling, or something that only goes so far then leaves you empty again?

Challenge: Ask yourself if you are truly putting your hope in Christ alone. If not, what adjustments do you need to make to surrender to His Lordship in your life?

CTA: Find a group of people who can help remind you to keep refueling in Christ--join an FCA Huddle near you: Find a Huddle

Be Where Your Feet Are

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 18:44:50 GMT

Article By Sarah Freymuth, FCA Communications Manager

Stop looking forward or backward and see where God is moving right here and now.

We’re always thinking about the next play, the next season, the next new training method that’s going to give us the edge over our competition. Or we’re looking behind at the last season that ended too quickly in the postseason, what we could have done better to help our team.

It’s like our default is set to overthink and worry about where we’re going and how the pieces are going to match up to make it happen. But what does dwelling in the past or fretting about the future get us? Nothing but more worry.

We are too easily distracted about what’s coming up or ruminating on what we could have altered that we miss what’s right now. And there’s plenty right in front of us that deserves our presence.

God is with us in the moment. He says He is with us, and it’s important to slow ourselves down enough to experience all He has for us in the here and now.

Jesus knows how prone our minds are to wander, worrying about how we’re going to provide for our families, where we’re going to go to college, if we’re going to keep our starting spot.

He’s given us a frame of reference that realigns us with what’s important, a reminder to lay everything at His feet and trust God to take care of our needs.

In His message on the mountain, Jesus lays out an entirely new framework for living. This includes a remedy for worry:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you. Therefore don’t worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” –Matthew 6:33-34

What can we pull from this passage that can help us relax and simply be in this moment?

Seek God's Kingdom

Look to the Lord and His heart through prayer. Get in His Word, get quiet and listen to what He wants to say. Starting our day with God gives us the grace we need to go through the morning, and an anchor to hold to when we are tempted to veer away when the worries and what if’s come circling.

“You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart.” –Jeremiah 29:13

Make Your Requests

We can quickly shift our minds to the things that bring worry and the toil that takes us down a tailspin of anxiety. We want to know we will be provided for, and that we will have the means to provide. God knows what we need. He wants us to come to Him and make our requests known, then to leave that request at His feet and trust Him to take care of us.

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” –Philippians 4:6

Focus on the Present

Tomorrow has enough worry and trial that will inevitably come. Why heap that on top of today’s troubles? Make it your ambition to go throughout today and look for things you’re grateful for. See where God is at work, and notice. Thank Him for His presence and provision, and believe this will be a continuing thing as day by day, you learn to lean into Him and pay attention to the wondrous world around you.

“This is the day the Lord has made;
let’s rejoice and be glad in it.” –Psalm 118:24

When we realign our hearts and minds with a Kingdom perspective, a lot of our distractions dissolve. Our lives will reflect God as we love a struggling teammate rather than attempt to outperform him in the weight room. It will bring peace as we stop checking our messages incessantly to see if that bigger school is interested in hiring us for the head coaching role and instead focus in on the team we’re currently coaching.

Relax. Give your cares to God. Pay attention. Take time to slow down and notice the people and places around you. God is in this moment, and this moment is all you have. Live in it.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” –Ephesians 4:22-24, NIV

Question: Do you tend to look forward to what hasn’t happened, or dwell on the past? What can keep you focused on living in the present moment?

Challenge: Lift your eyes off yourself and onto someone else. Write a note of encouragement to a teammate. See where you can serve in your community. Do some yardwork for your parents.

CTA: Want a deeper look into being present? Start FCA’s YouVersion four-day Bible reading plan on 24/7, going from overwhelmed to overflowing and stopping to pause in the present: FCA 24/7

How to Play with Purpose

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 14:00:00 GMT

Article By Amber Johns, FCA Upstate New York Director

When we learn to live for the glory of God, it impacts everything.

“I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast, and when I run, I feel his pleasure.” - Eric Liddell, 1924 Olympian and missionary

Scottish runner Eric Liddell’s story is legend and famously portrayed in the movie Chariots of Fire. Liddell grew up in a missionary family but also had a gift of running. His feet took him to the Olympics in 1924 before going to China as a missionary.

To those who are familiar with Liddell’s story, we can see how sports and faith intersect in a way only God can orchestrate. As athletes, we are made a certain way. We are made to be strong, fast, tall, short, explosive , and competitive. We are willing to sacrifice our time and our bodies for the chance to win. Many of us do not recognize our athletic ambition and ability as a gift from God and a way for us to worship Him. God takes great pleasure in watching us use our athletic and competitive gifts. This takes the pressure off our performance and centers us around our motivation, which we should ask ourselves about. Do we play for an audience of one?

We must first get to the heart of our purpose in life before we can recognize how to compete with a sense of purpose and as an act of worship. We must be honest that sports can easily unleash a selfish side in all of us. We can be so inwardly focused on our performance we fail to look outward at the opportunity to reflect His glory.

When we walk onto the field or the track, or pick up that racket, do we acknowledge the only reason we are out there is because our Creator wills it to be so? We can easily lose sight of our greater purpose in sports, and that’s to make Him known. How do we compete with purpose?

Alone Time

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” –Proverbs 4:23, NIV

Be intentional about alone time with God to guard your heart. What happens in private affects what happens in public. This is the time we train our hearts to be postured to God.

We know how to dedicate time to train for our sport; now we need to be dedicated in our time alone with Jesus. In this quiet space and in time of prayer, focus on these three things to create a posture toward playing with purpose:

1) Thank God for your ability to play. We can all whisper a short sentence of praise before we step into the competitive playing arena.

2) Acknowledge and repent where we have made sports all about us.

3) Know God is worthy of your praise and acknowledge He made you a certain way. When you compete, you can feel His pleasure.

This diligent time alone with God will impact your faith on the field. You will face all kinds of challenges and victories. In the quiet spaces, you develop a relationship with the One who created you for sport and created you with a sense of purpose far beyond winning and losing.

Honor

“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.” –1 Peter 2:17

Honoring your teammates and coaches will have a profound impact not only on them, but also on you. Honor is not a word that is commonly used today, but it can change the course of attitudes, team unity and perspective.

How can you honor your coaches and your teammates?

• Never engage in team chatter that disparages one another or a competitor.

• Verbally thank coaches for their time and efforts.

• Create ways your team to get together.

• Be the first to encourage your teammates and praise them publicly.

• Be excellent in your training practices.

• Forgive easily.

• Be wise and honorable on social media.

• Be competitive on the field and compassionate off the field.

Service

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in various forms.” –1 Peter 4:10, NIV

Serving others well is one of the most impactful things we can do as athletes. When we serve others, we elevate them and fill our own hearts with joy. Acts of service are God’s way of ministering to those around us because it’s counterculture to the generally accepted athlete’s act of self-promotion.

Lead by serving others. Be the first to practice, clean up the training pitch or text a teammate who is having a hard time. If you are gifted in a certain area of your sport, offer to spend extra time training teammates. There are many ways to serve, and God will lay those on your heart in your alone time with Him. It’s all a part of the reason you are competing where you are.

“Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” –Colossians 3:17

We are made for God’s glory, and playing with purpose allows us to worship Him by utilizing the bodies God has given us in a unique way. We can be disappointed in losses and celebratory in wins, but neither define our worth. It takes the pressure of our performance and puts the spotlight on the One who really deserves it.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Question: What is your purpose for competing? What does God say about that purpose?

Challenge: Memorize Ephesians 4:22-24 and let it rule your heart and mind as you compete.

CTA: There’s a difference to your performance when you play for an Audience of One. Take your faith on the field and look to the Lord to impact your performance. Go through The CORE

How to Coach with Purpose

Wed, 15 May 2024 15:52:00 GMT

Article By Sarah Roberts

What Nehemiah can teach us about staying focused on our “why”.

In the 2023 Women’s College World Series, the Oklahoma Sooners won their 7 ^th National Championship, but that is not what the world was talking about after everything was said and done. Although a few million people watched the Sooners play softball, over 28 million people watched their post-game press conference. It started with an ESPN reporter asking, “How do you handle the pressure and keep the joy when anxiety can easily set in?”

Captain and All-American short stop Grace Lyons opened with the statement, “The only way you can have a joy that doesn’t fade away is from the Lord.” Fan favorite and center fielder Jayda Coleman followed with, “When we won the World Series as a freshman, I didn’t feel joy. I didn’t feel fulfilled. I had to find Christ to have the joy I was looking for.” And then the third base star Alyssa Brito finished with adding, “We are fixing our eyes on Christ—we can’t find our fulfillment in an outcome, good or bad.”

That is what the world saw and was encouraged by, but what people did not see was the reporter’s follow-up with Coach Patty Gasso. When asked if she would like to say something, she replied, “I cannot add anything to that. They said it all.”

This wasn’t surprising to Coach Gasso. Why? Because this is what she lives and teaches, and this is the culture she has created in the program. Before the big stage, before the season even started, she took every player out to eat for some one-on-one time. She tries to connect with their hearts before she pushes them as athletes. I have served this team as their chaplain for 19 years and have a front row seat to a coach who learned and lives her purpose along the way.

What can we learn from one of the greatest coaches of all time when it comes to coaching with purpose? The same things we can learn from Nehemiah, who also built something great with purpose.

Know Your Why

After the Babylonians had destroyed the city of Jerusalem and its walls, the Israelites were under the rule of the Persians. Nehemiah was the King of Persia’s cup holder. As Nehemiah heard reports of his ruined city, he was blessed with a burden. “When I heard this, I wept. In fact, for days, I fasted, mourned, and prayed to the God in heaven” (Nehemiah 1:4).

How could a cup holder have a purpose? How could God use a simple position? Instead of Nehemiah asking how, it led him to Who . After Nehemiah prayed, fasted, and mourned, God showed him his why. God showed him that his place as the king’s cup holder put him in a position of favor with the king; he had the opportunity to rebuild the wall around his beloved city of Jerusalem.

"…the king asked me, ‘Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.’” Then I was terrified, but I replied, ‘Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.’ The king asked, ‘Well, how can I help you?’” –Nehemiah 2:2-4

Nehemiah knew his why as the king’s cup holder: To use his position to help rebuild his ancestor’s city with the help of God, for the glory of God. Coach Bill Wash said, “If your why is strong enough, you will figure out how.”

As coaches, you have been put in a position of power and influence, but if your “why” is simply to win games, you might miss out on building something great.

Make Your Game Plan

Every coach has a game plan to get the best out of their athletes and a game plan against every opponent they play. Coaching with purpose needs a game plan too. And honestly, we could benefit from Nehemiah’s game plan.

1) Learn to pray under pressure.

Coaching brings a lot of pressure from school, parents, boosters, etc. Some coaches will panic under pressure. Some coaches will overthink under pressure. But coaches with purpose who know they are building something great learn to pray under pressure.

“With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied, ‘If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.’” –Nehemiah 2:4b

What if we prayed before we replied to the angry parent’s email or addressing the team? What if we prayed before coaches’ meetings? Praying under pressure should always be the first step in our game plan.

2) Building something great always takes a team.

Coaching can be a lonely profession. It can feel like it is all on our shoulders, all the time, and it can be overwhelming. Nehemiah had a game plan: build it with a team.

“Each one repaired the section immediately across from his own house.” (Nehemiah 3:28)

EVERYONE BUILT. The priests built. The perfume makers built. Fathers and daughters built. Merchants built. If they looked at the task at hand of building the whole wall, it would have seemed be too much, too hard, too overwhelming. But they each focused on what needed to be done right in front of them. Coaches who coach with purpose see everyone on their team has a purpose.

3) Don’t get distracted from the work by the opposition to the work.

People were trying to discourage, intimidate and distract them from the work. But Nehemiah knew the job was not going to get finished if he focused on them.

“I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?...They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.” –Nehemiah 6:3,9

As coaches who have been called to build something great for God’s Kingdom, you better believe there will be naysayers on social media, negative comments in your inbox, and discouragement from the stands. But we, like Nehemiah, “continue the work with even greater determination.”

Nehemiah and his team finished the amazing task of building the wall in just 52 days. And what they realized was Who had enabled them to do their job well.

When we live out our purpose as coaches, obedience will always be up to us, but the outcome will always be up to God. To Him be the glory!

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Question: What can we learn from the lessons of Nehemiah? What will it take for you to live out your God-given purpose?

Challenge: Pick two main points of your work and commit to them, focusing on doing them well and doing them with the Lord.

CTA: There’s a deeper purpose to your coaching when you let God lead. It transforms your mindset, approach and interaction with your players. Get engrossed with the E3 Discipleship method: https://university.fca.org/courses/e3/

Find Your Identity Beyond Sports

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Wed, 01 May 2024 13:00:03 GMT

Article By Sarah Freymuth

It's not about what you do, but whose you are.

When people ask you about yourself, what do you say?

“I’m a quarterback.”

“I play basketball.”

“I’m from Portland.”

Those are all valid responses, but they won’t help people know you.

You see, what defines us is not our position, placement or any other label. It goes deeper than that. We can get so wrapped up in what we do that we forget who we are. And who we are is most important, because everything else flows from there.

God does not intend for us to be so preoccupied by our performance that we forget we are first and foremost beloved by Him.

“Now this is what the Lord says—
the one who created you, Jacob,
and the one who formed you, Israel—
‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name; you are mine.’” –Isaiah 43:1

Before Jesus ever did a single minute of public ministry, God looked down on Him and declared that Jesus was loved. He was rooted in His identity as the Father’s Son. He was baptized by His cousin John to fulfill prophesy. Jesus gave us the example to follow, not because He needed to repent of any sin, but to stay in step with the will of His Father, which was His desire for His people to repent and be devoted to God.

“Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan, to be baptized by him. But John tried to stop him, saying, ‘I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me?’

Jesus answered him, ‘Allow it for now, because this is the way for us to fulfill all righteousness.’ Then John allowed him to be baptized.

When Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water. The heavens suddenly opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming down on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.’” --Matthew 3:13-17

This is God’s beloved Son, with whom He is well pleased. Not by anything He’s done, but simply because of who He is.

We too are God’s chosen people, and He calls us His children. This is the truth of who you are:

You Are Loved

The God of the universe looks at you and loves you intimately. He created us in His image, for His glory, and to share in close relationship with Him. There is nothing He has held back to bring us close, including giving up His Son Jesus to take away the sin of the world and bring us into the Kingdom of God forever.

“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” –John 3:16

You Are Chosen

God set us apart as His children. As such, we are invited into the wonderful world of God’s Kingdom. We share this Kingdom here on Earth and enjoy the benefits of being in God’s family. Peace, joy, love, hope—they are all ours in abundance.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” –1 Peter 2:9

You Are Set Apart

From the very beginning, God loved and chose you for His family, and He has set you apart as such. You are part of a special family, a royal priesthood, and God has given you good and specific things to do. You have influence in ways that only you can, and lives to touch that God has intentionally placed in your own life.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.” –Ephesians 2:10

You are loved, you are chosen and you are set apart. The more we lean into who we are in Christ, the more we begin to associate with the Kingdom of God and long to renew our minds, bodies and souls to what is pleasing to the Lord. It’s not in accomplishment or awards. Like Jesus, we don’t have to try and impress anyone with our stats or position. We can rest in our status as God’s beloved children.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Question: Where do you place your identity? How does knowing you are God’s beloved child make a difference in your life?

Challenge: Pick one of the three reminders we talked about and focus on memorizing the coinciding Scripture. Repeat it to yourself when you need to remember who you are.

CTA: We can get wrapped up in identifying as what we do, not who we are. Examine who you are in God’s eyes and let that lead your life. Go through The FOUR to understand: https://thefour.fca.org/

Why Do You Coach?

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:47:43 GMT

Article By Josh Cooley

Redefining our coaching motivation.

“ Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing.”

You’ve heard that before, right? This quote, often attributed to Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame head coach Vince Lombardi, is said to have actually originated with Henry Russell “Red” Sanders, who coached UCLA football during a run of dominance in the 1950s, including the 1954 national championship.

It’s a common mindset in sports. Those who want to win above all else, so the thinking goes, possess the heart of “a true competitor” … “a real champion.”

Consider these thoughts on winning from other well-known sports figures:

● “Winning takes precedence over all. There’s no gray area. No almosts.” –Kobe Bryant

● “Winning solves everything.” –Tiger Woods

● “The person that said, ‘Winning isn’t everything’ never won anything.” –Mia Hamm

● “I used to think that losing made you more hungry and determined, but after my success at the Olympics and the U.S. Open, I realize that winning is the biggest motivation.” –Andy Murray

● “I’m a mad dog whose only concern is winning.” –Charles Barkley

Clearly, winning is the ultimate goal for many who coach and play sports—and it has been for some time. And let’s be honest: Winning is important—for job security, if nothing else! Today’s sub-.500 coach is tomorrow’s employment applicant.

Yet from a biblical perspective, winning indeed isn’t everything, and it’s not the only thing. In fact, it’s relatively insignificant. The Bible never measures success by human standards.

So why do you coach? What’s your “why”?

As we reflect on this, let’s consider 2 Timothy 1:9:

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of His own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.”

While you probably won’t find this verse on many locker room placards or coaching coffee mugs, it powerfully speaks of God’s purpose, which in turn should inform ours.

The apostle Paul here lists two reasons why God saved us from our sins and called us to walk in faith and obedience: His purpose and grace . God’s grace is His unmerited favor toward us. We did nothing to deserve His love, His forgiveness or the eternal life He offers. It’s all grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9).

In fact, if you are His child, He bestowed this indescribable, sin-shattering, death-defying grace upon you “before the beginning of time.” The Ancient of Days wrote your name in His book before you were born. The Lord God Almighty chose you before you drew breath. Call timeout and reflect on that.

In addition to God’s grace, Paul also talks about God’s purpose in saving us. What is this purpose? While Paul doesn’t elaborate on it much here, we see elsewhere in Scripture that God’s ultimate purpose in everything is to bring glory to Himself. This always results in our good!

God created us for His glory (Isaiah 43:7), and He saves us for His glory (Romans 9:22-24). It’s clear, then, that the life He calls us to is also for His glory. This includes everything we put our hands to, including coaching. “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Today, remember God’s glory. The next time you pick up the clipboard, put on the headset or loop the whistle around your neck, remember God’s glory. Our gracious God set His affection upon us in eternity past, sent His perfect Son to redeem us from sin and death, and lovingly called us into His forever kingdom. This amazing truth should pervade everything we do, including the way we lead the athletes in our charge. As coaches who follow Christ, we are defined—and should be motivated—by something far greater than wins and losses in competition.

Perhaps, then, we can amend that well-known phrase about winning to something more accurate. For every coach who seeks God’s kingdom, “Winning isn’t everything, but God’s glory is.”

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Question: Why do you What does winning mean to you? What do you think God’s view of winning and success is?

Challenge: Seek God’s Kingdom through prayer, Bible study and community. It will help you coach with a Kingdom mindset.

CTA: What’s your why for coaching? Take a deeper look into your coaching motivation through FCA’s 360 Coaching Course: https://360coach.fca.org/

Photo courtesy of YK Photography

Renew

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 01:13:26 GMT

Renew

“… to take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.” -Ephesians 4:22-24

Once you’ve taken time for a reset, you can find freedom in the truth of a new identity and new purpose in Christ. That freedom only matters, however, because He renews your life—by giving you a new heart. When God gives you a new heart, He also gives you a new purpose and, through His Holy Spirit, new power to walk out that purpose with boldness, confidence and conviction. You can do anything God calls you to do, but you can’t do it alone!

After his reset, Peter still went through a challenging three-year process that led him to understand God’s truth.

In the days and hours before Jesus faced trial, torture and crucifixion, Peter refused to believe that Jesus would die (Matthew 16:21-23), cut the ear off one of the soldiers who was arresting Jesus (Luke 22:47-53), and denied that he knew Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75) just as Jesus had prophesied (Matthew 26:31-35).

When Jesus was taken away to be crucified for our sins, all the disciples, except for John, fled the scene in fear. Three days later, Jesus was miraculously raised from the dead and began appearing to His closest followers. On one occasion (John 21:1-19), Peter was fishing when Jesus approached the shore and began preparing a fire to make breakfast.

Just like the first time they met, Jesus performed a miracle and filled Peter’s nets with more fish than could be handled. Peter ran to meet Jesus. Even though Peter had sinned against Jesus through his denial, Jesus welcomed Peter, restored him, and called him to share the Gospel with the world.

Peter’s new heart gave him new purpose as one of the most successful evangelists in Christian church history. Many years later, Peter wrote these powerful words:

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." -1 Peter 1:3

As an athlete, a reset will often lead to a change in key elements such as training, practice, nutrition and even sleep habits. These changes take place when you’re tired of getting the same results, which leads to in a shift in your mindset.

The same is true for your spiritual life. There are negative attitudes, stressful thoughts, and bad habits that are doing you harm. Your spiritual reset should lead to changes in how you approach every day.

There’s one difference. You can’t make spiritual changes on your own. It’s through the renewal of your heart (or your spirit) that Jesus gives you the ability to change those things that are holding you back. Real change can only happen when you ask Him to forgive your sins and accept the salvation He paid for on the cross.

As you are renewed in Christ, you have a new heart, which creates a new identity in Him. Then, there is a new purpose to your life: To spread the Gospel and live your life for Jesus. As an athlete, your new purpose might be to use your sport as a way to reflect how Christ changed your life or to share the Gospel with teammates, coaches, and others within your sphere of influence.

You also have access to the power of the Holy Spirit, who will give you strength and courage to do what God has called you to do. As you step out in this new purpose and power, you will begin to see your life transformed.

This is the focus: Through Christ, I have a new identity and purpose in Him.

Why Do You Compete?

Mon, 01 Apr 2024 13:00:01 GMT

Article By Mickey Seward

You are more than what the box score says.

Athletes compete for many reasons. But which ones truly matter?

Working in college athletics for nearly two decades, there was one question I heard after almost every event. “Can I see the box score?” athletes would ask, ready to boil down their performance in that game to a single line of statistics.

Sometimes, they would look at the numbers and smile. Other times, they would get upset — with themselves, their coach, their teammates or even the statistician. It can be easy for athletes to let the numbers on the scoreboard or in the box score determine their value.

Winning is fun. And when you win, praise and opportunity often follow. It’s the same when you put up big numbers, post fast times or break records. Then, there’s the flip side: A rough performance can lead to even rougher thoughts and comments from outsiders.

But as a Christ follower, God calls you to live and compete differently, chasing after a goal far beyond the scoreboard, the stat sheet and all the everyday perks that come with competitive success. Your motivation should be greater.

Have you ever paused to look at what motivates you? As you think about that, ask yourself these three questions:

WHO do I compete for?

“Take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth." –Ephesians 4:22-24

Are you competing to bring glory to yourself or make your family and friends proud? As a Christian, you have a unique calling to live differently from the world. So, even in competition, your purpose is to glorify God by using the gifts and talents He’s given you.

Because of God, we have hope and future. We have life, now and forever. He is worth competing for.

WHY should I compete?

“The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me. LORD, your faithful love endures forever; do not abandon the work of your hands.” –Psalm 138:8

As an athlete, God created you with His own hands for a specific purpose in mind.

In every competition, practice, and film or training session, you have an opportunity to glorify God and display the life-changing Gospel of Jesus Christ. By competing in the way He made you, you can become more like Him and show others what it looks and feels like to experience joy and peace by living for something greater than yourself.

And no matter the result on the scoreboard or the stats in the box score, He will not abandon you, because His faithful love endures forever.

HOW should I compete?

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified."

–1 Corinthians 9:24-27

While the world teaches us to do whatever it takes to win — whether by the rules or not — God holds His people to a different standard.

As an athlete, God calls you to exercise self-control, discipline and integrity. That means competing honestly, humbly and respectfully toward our teammates and opponents.

Winning dishonestly or disrespectfully may look good on the scoreboard, but a perishable wreath (or even a championship ring, new contract or praise from others) isn’t worth damaging your testimony in Christ.

So, seek to honor God in everything you do, not just in your sport, but in your attitude, actions and words. When you do that, God will give you plenty of opportunities to glorify Him and share His love with others.

Is it time for a new motivation?

When you know WHO you are competing for, it will help you understand WHY and HOW you should compete.

So, take a moment to assess why you compete and how competing for Christ can change everything. Are you seeking personal glory through competition, or are you competing to live out your faith and glorify God?

Maybe it’s time for a new motivation — a God-honoring motivation . Perhaps it’s time to take off your former way of life and put on your new self.

Because you are much more than who the box score says you are, and the One who created you for a specific purpose isn’t looking at the scoreboard.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Question: Why do you compete? Why do sports truly matter to you? What does God have to say about the way you compete?

Challenge: Know WHO you are competing for, so you can understand WHY and HOW you should compete.

CTA: Why do you compete? Is it for the wins? The statistics? To give God glory? Take a moment to assess why you compete, and how competing for Christ changes everything. Then, go deeper with Discovery Bible Study: 24/7 DBS

Reset Your Perspective

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:06:36 GMT

Article By Jolani Yeager

Change your way of seeing things by looking through the lens of Jesus.

We’ve all heard the saying “There is no I in team.” If we’re truly honest, however, there are times we take the field or the court as a coach or athlete, and that ‘I’ tends to become very loud in our minds. We think, “I need to score the next goal,” “I need to be faster,” “I need to win us the game,” “I am the coach, so I have the best strategies,” and on and on. We think it’s all on us to come up with the answer or win. But Philippians 2:3-4 tells us, “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”

Paul, the author of Philippians, is directing and encouraging us to have a Christ-like perspective when it comes to how we compete. We are to compete with others in mind and play for something greater than ourselves.

Perspective

To compete with others in mind, we must take a look at our perspective on others and on the game. Our perspective can be influenced by various factors: our environment, how we train, our friend groups, how we spend our time, what we watch, etc. One in three people have an eye condition called astigmatism. Astigmatism is a defect in the eye or in a lens caused by a deviation from spherical curvature, which results in distorted images. Just like astigmatism, deviating from God’s Word and purpose for our lives results in a distorted perspective on life, which can impact how we approach competition. A distorted view has an “I” mentality and says:

● I am only valuable as a teammate or coach if I perform well.

● My future is defined by my success right now.

● My identity is defined by my abilities and skills as a coach or athlete.

The good news is astigmatisms can be corrected by a corrective lens, such as glasses or contacts. As believers, we have direct access to God and His Word, which is the corrective lens that resets our perspective.

“So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” –2 Corinthians 4:18

How to Run the Play and Reset Your Perspective

It’s no secret that in order to run a play as a team, you must know and study that play. The more time we spend learning and practicing the play, the greater the play will be executed. There are many accounts of Jesus spending time with His Father—who guided and directed His life on earth—Jesus was often found praying and recounting God’s Word.

“One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and He prayed to God all night.” -Luke 6:12

“Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray.” - Mark 1:35

“So He went to pray a third time, saying the same things again.” - Matthew 26:44

If we want to change our view on how we approach competition and aim to execute the play for something greater than ourselves, we must spend time reading God’s Word and in prayer.

Play for Something Greater

When we play for something greater, we have the ability to play beyond right now. What and how we play today can have a significant effect on our future, our teammates' future, and our communities. Spending time on and off the field in God’s Word will give us the greatest opportunity to have a Christlike mentality and implementation of who we are as competitors. Our perspective and focus are no longer fixed on ourselves but on those around us and an eternal relationship with Christ in Heaven. It’s amazing what a little perspective reset will do.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “Stop fighting, and know that I am God,
exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” – Psalm 46:10

Question: What is currently distorting your perspective on how you view competing as a coach or athlete? What boundaries or corrective lenses do you need to put in place to be more ‘Christlike’ in these areas?

Challenge: Choose 1-2 players or coaches to pray over this week and ask the Lord how you can serve them. Is it a text message of encouragement, praying with them before a practice or game, or lending a helping hand?

CTA: It’s all about how you look at it. What’s your perspective on competing? Are you playing for yourself, or Someone greater? Maybe it’s time for a new way to approach your play. Learn more about the E3 Discipleship course to walk through God’s Word on your own and with others: E3 Overview Course

Why Coaches Need Rest Days Too

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 14:00:23 GMT

Article By Shanta Crichlow

FCA Georgia Tech Collegiate Director

A better way to avoid burnout.

Rest is one of those concepts we recognize as beneficial in athletics. Coaches structure off-seasons and incorporate timed rest in workouts and at incremental times throughout the season. However, rest is a performance-enhancing concept that seems only applicable to the athletes on the field and nowhere else, which can include our personal lives.

Sports culture thrives on the idea of going harder, pushing, breaking through your limits to keep going. We applaud it; therefore, it gets repeated and even expected, because, yes, such grit is necessary for competition. Consequently, the attitude of grinding until the wheels fall off becomes a cycle that cannot be escaped even when the competition is over and the stadium lights turn off. This is equally true for the coach. Coaches push hard, cutting into personal family and vacation time. Compromises are made to check out a new recruit or restructure the offense. For some coaches, there are no days off, and this can dangerously lead to burnout.

Jesus offers a better way. He shows us how to approach our sport or career with excellence and heart, yet not be so identified with it that it rules our life and decision-making. In Matthew 11:28-30, Jesus says:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

I know the words easy and light may not sound appealing to a coach in sports, but Jesus’ way is essential to your life, well-being, faith, and yes, your career. Coaches need rest because of the sheer demand of the job, and because God demands and modeled it.

From the little leagues to the majors, the role of coach is essential to every team and sport. It’s a highly valuable, demanding, skilled and visible role. Coaches carry a heavy burden, yet coaches are human. And like any other person, it is essential that coaches take time to care for themselves so they can better carry the burdens of life and career.

We’ve been gifted a relationship with God where He invites us to cast our burdens on Him and rest in His grace, love and provision. David writes in Psalm 23 that the Lord lies us down in green pastures, leads us beside the quiet waters and restores our souls. Just reading these words puts the mind at rest, don’t they? God allows us space and freedom to pause from the weariness of life. Sometimes it’s a physical break; sometimes it’s a break from an attitude and way of thinking.

Resting means we can choose not to be anxious and stressed in a worrisome situation. We can, instead, give God permission to work out the uncontrollables and trust Him to do so. In 1 Kings 19 the prophet Elijah was overwhelmed by his work to the point of depression. God met Elijah in that moment, though.

“Suddenly, an angel touched him. The angel told him, ‘Get up and eat.’ Then he looked, and there at his head was a loaf of bread baked over hot stones, and a jug of water. So he ate and drank and lay down again. Then the angel of the Lord returned for a second time and touched him. He said, ‘Get up and eat, or the journey will be too much for you.’ So he got up, ate, and drank. Then on the strength from that food, he walked forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mountain of God.” -1 Kings 19:5b-8

God’s angel acknowledged the journey was too great for Elijah, gave him rest, and cared for and encouraged him. Do you give Jesus the burdens of your life and career? Can you lay at His feet in honesty and transparency and talk about how you’re really doing, allowing Him permission to take care of you?

Our connection to God is essential. He is the one who created the heavens and Earth, and in Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28). We must take time to rest so we can connect to our life source and maintain that intimate and personal relationship with Him.

Jesus modeled incorporating rest into our rhythms. Whether in the early morning hours or after a long day of ministering, part of Jesus’ rhythm was to go to a quiet place and connect with His Father. This time of connection is like a coaches Huddle, when we get affirmation, direction, instruction and strategy from one another and God’s Word.

When we can cast our cares on God and learn to truly trust Him, we put peace in God into practice and free our souls for what’s important. From our time of connection with the Lord, we can give deeper impact to our teams, our staff and other coaches in our network. Jesus’ way of living is light, and it’s offered to us as a gift. Take it today.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “Stop fighting, and know that I am God,
exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” – Psalm 46:10

Question: Have you been experiencing burnout? How has it made you feel ? What can you do to deeply rest in Jesus instead?

Challenge: Try getting up a little earlier or carving out time in the evening to read the Bible and hear from God.

CTA: Get God’s Word delivered directly to your inbox each morning with FCA’s Daily Impact Play devotionals: FCA Daily Impact Play

How Do You Handle the Pressure to Keep Up?

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 19:43:48 GMT

Article By Braden Beck

FCA Eastern Howard County Representative

Step back and get in step with Jesus through stillness.

The bright lights, the roar of the crowd, the thrill of competing on the highest stage with the greatest stakes. Every athlete’s dream, right?

Well, maybe not. Because what if you weren’t made for pressure?

It’s true that few things feel better than balling out on the big stage, but what about the time spent outside the game? Practice, at home, at school, out with friends? If we are facing pressure in all those situations, we are headed down a path of failure. We. Will. Crack. It’s only a matter of time.

Thankfully, Jesus has a greater potential for us than simply living in the pressures of life.

“’You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” –John 8:32

The truth of Jesus is found in His Word, the Bible, and by living the way we see Him living. But Jesus never played sports. He never dealt with the modern problems we deal with. You’ve heard that before, right? Jesus may never have owned a cellphone, but Jesus certainly faced pressure and showed us how we can walk through it.

Get Quiet

Find time to step away from the noise that surrounds you every day. Maybe this looks like getting up 15 minutes earlier in the morning. Or maybe you stay late after practice and just sit on the field. The act of stepping back and quieting our minds for a minute allows space for God to speak into our lives. If we’re honest, we want this neon sign telling us what to do and how to handle situations, but more often than not, God speaks in whispers rather than shouts.

“Therefore, when Jesus realized that they were about to come and take him by force to make him king, he withdrew again to the mountain by himself.” –John 6:15

Put the phone down. Take the headphones off. Set your gear aside and just spend time away from the noise and the pressures around you. This won’t solve your problems, but it might just give you a better perspective for how to handle them when you return.

Talk with God

As you spend more and more time alone, you might find that, surprisingly, it’s boring. That’s not a bad thing! We usually fill our boredom with games, phones or entertainment. What if instead we satisfied our boredom by speaking with Jesus? Jesus is a real and relational being who died and rose again so He could be in community with you. He deeply cares about the things in your life and the pressures you are facing, and He wants to be part of them.

“’I am in them and you are in me, so that they may be made completely one, that the world may know you have sent me and have loved them as you have loved me.’” –John 17:23

God deeply loves you. Spend time thinking about that as you take time alone. Consider what He has done for you and then just talk to Jesus. Tell Him what's on your mind.

Lean on Others

You can’t spend all your time alone. You need to spend time around people who are also pursuing Jesus. Time in silence is important, and we see Jesus often pull away from the crowds to spend time with God. But He equally spent time with his closest friends over meals, walking between towns and just doing life together.

“Before the Passover Festival, Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” –John 13:1

Jesus spent time with His disciples because He loved them and they, in turn, loved Jesus. As believers, we need to have a community around us that we love and that loves us. How different would your life look if your teammates were constantly encouraging each other instead of talking down to one another? Surround yourself with believers who are running after Jesus. This will help you stand tall when the pressures of this world close in around you.

The truth of Jesus is found in the Bible. He died and rose again to offer us eternal life with God. That life starts now. The pressure of this world can be heavy. Jesus offers a better way. He is the truth; all we have to do is follow Him.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “Stop fighting, and know that I am God,
exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” – Psalm 46:10

Question: What is distracting you the most right now? What can you do to replace the distraction with Jesus instead?

Challenge: If you don’t have a group of people to connect with, take a step to find them: call a local church about small groups or see if there’s an FCA Huddle near you.

CTA: It can all be too much–the demands of coaches, programs, parents and schoolwork. But whose approval truly matters? Visit The FOUR and find out just how much you mean to God: The FOUR

Why Athletes Need Rest Days

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 17:39:10 GMT

Article By Laura Matera

FCA EVP of Action Sports

Being still with God leads to true strength.

Athletes are often pushed to the brink with grueling practices, travel schedules, schoolwork, off-season training and a constant pressure to reach peak performance. They push their bodies during training and competition, which is why rest days to recover are so important. It’s necessary to allow our physical bodies time to rest and replenish.

But did you know that rest is for more than just our physical bodies? Rest is what’s truly needed for the athlete who’s on the brink of mental, emotional and/or spiritual exhaustion.

Jesus extends an invitation to get away with Him, to step back and recognize what’s most important.

The Gospel of Mark shares the words of Jesus as He challenged His physically exhausted followers to shift their ways and try something new:

“… Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.” -Mark 6:31a

Jesus begins with the instruction to change locations, to get away to a place without distractions. A quiet, remote place leaves us exposed to God, where we can hear His voice and give Him a greater ability to nurture our heart and mind. Jesus also gives us the command to rest in that space. Rest brings relaxing refreshment and the recovery of our strength.

After time away of true rest, we can come back and be restored to a regular level of activity. Balanced health grants opportunity to not only perform well in all spaces, but it grants greater capacity for relationships with our family, work and sport. As we compete and serve our teams, there is an opportunity to model health in all areas of life.

The word “rest” is part of the word “restore.” To rest means you cease work, relax, refresh yourself and recover strength. To restore means to renew, to re-establish, bring back into use. To be restored, we must enter into rest. There is power in slowing down and trusting God to handle things while you set aside a time to rest.

Are you personally experiencing weariness in body, mind or soul? What is the first step you can take today to step away from the chaos of culture’s fast pace and pursue rest?

Consider planning for the following areas: physical, spiritual, emotional and sensory rest. Explore opportunities for regular rhythms of rest in these areas by setting aside time on your calendar each week and for extended times each season. This time may include enjoying sport without competition, getting outside and exploring nature, reading for pleasure, seeking out time for meaningful relationships or shutting down technology.

After intentional rest, take time to realign your priorities to avoid exhaustion and burnout. Consider your daily schedule and prioritize time to seek God first in the form of Bible reading and prayer.

The Bible encourages “whatever is true...honorable...just...pure...lovely... commendable, if there is any excellence...anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8). Direct your thoughts towards God and His goodness. Allow Him to cleanse your mind and receive mental rest. Take a walk. Spend time with your loved ones. Paint something. Or, just spend a few moments with your eyes closed, slowing down your thoughts and thanking God for His provision. Do whatever will calm your spirit and give God a chance to meet you in the middle of a busy day.

God created you not just to recuperate from fatigue, but to enjoy His creation and spend quality time with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Honor the Lord, seek intentional time away just between you and Him, and revive your body, mind and spirit by giving it the deep and lasting rest it needs.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “Stop fighting, and know that I am God,
exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” – Psalm 46:10

Question: How have you been treating your mind, body and soul? Are they exhausted and in need of rest?

Challenge: Take time to recuperate today. Close your eyes for a few minutes, put on some calming music, take a walk—whatever is going to help you calm your spirit and be still with the Lord.

CTA: Want a deeper look into rest? Sign up to receive FCA devotions delivered to your inbox every day and take time to learn what God wants to speak to you about each day: FCA Daily Impact Play

Hitting Reset as a Coach

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 18:42:51 GMT

Article By Owen Hughes

FCA Wales Leader

Being still with God leads to true strength.

It was a late October evening, the first game for our American football team and my first game as head coach. As the rain came down and the halftime whistle blew, my mind was going 100mph thinking of anything and everything. Players, coaches and referees began moving toward me to ask questions, give information or share opinions about our situation. As the noise increased and surrounded my senses, the fog of the moment began to take over as I walked to the locker room for halftime, trying to figure out what we needed to do to win this game.

How often does the fog of life come to you? Have you ever played in a game where you felt distracted—thinking of things at home that were irrelevant to the moment, things that threw you off your game and prevented you from competing at your best? As a coach, have you had moments when pressures to win overcame your ability to be present at home with your family?

As life pulls us in different directions, our minds can become clouded and foggy when we don’t take time to reset ourselves into a rhythm that is led by Christ. Resetting enables us to thrive in each part of our lives that God has called us to be present in.

In Exodus 14:14, Moses had led his people out of Egypt and the Israelites begin to flood Moses with complaints as the Egyptian army closes in on them as they arrive at the Red Sea. Stuck between a rock and a hard place, Moses decided to be still before God. Then God used him to do a miracle.

Stillness Leads to Strength

“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” –Exodus 14:14, NIV

Moses is under intense pressure as the cries of his people grow louder and the army of Egypt is bearing down onto them. He needs God to do a miracle. Boldly, he stands in stillness as he trusts the Lord to fight for him when all seems lost. It can seem strange to be still when it feels like action is needed; however, the Hebrew meaning to “be still” means not inaction, but to actively trust in God and “let go or release” our burdens to Him. This action of trusting God, focusing energy and thoughts to Him alone, allowed Moses to reset and overcome the impossible situation he faced.

How often do we strive in our minds to find a solution, frantically trying to come up with the idea on our own, but as soon as we become still, God gives us the solution when we least expect it? In our stillness, God gives us the strength to overcome our situation.

God is Enough

“Be still and know that I am God.” –Psalm 46:10

As the Israelites fear for their lives, forgetting all God has already done, Moses boldly reminds them that God is enough. Despite the situation, Moses knows God is completely in control and God will save them. When we face challenging times, it can be easy to forget all the times God has come through in our own lives. Being still creates space to remember God is enough and in control. owing who God is gives us a confidence to open our hearts to Him as we understand He will not leave us. Take your exhaustion and fear to Him, let Him know what’s going on, and ask Him to step in and be with you. He will guide you to the truth you need, in the ways you need it.

Rhythms of Silence Lead to Resilience

“’Come to me, all who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’” –Matthew 11:28-30

As life gets busy and the fog overtakes our minds, stillness gives us a reset that, in turn, empowers us to go the distance. Building a rhythm of silence creates intentional space for God to minister to our hearts, and it ensures we go the distance in the call He has placed on our lives. Moses’ story does not end with the parting of the Red Sea, but by leading the Israelites toward the Promised Land. Regularly spending time in silence, he learns of God’s plan for each next step.

Before I stepped into the locker room that halftime, I stepped to the side and found a quiet spot to take two minutes to myself, asking God for the courage to lead our team, to give me the gameplan we needed, and to use my words and actions to glorify Him in that present moment. As the fog cleared my mind, I went on to deliver our team’s strategy, and, most importantly, realized my identity was not in wins or losses, but in who God called me to be in that moment. Our team did go on to win that game, but the lesson of stillness was the most important victory for me that day.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “Stop fighting, and know that I am God,
exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” – Psalm 46:10

Question: How have you been focusing on the wrong things? How can you take time for stillness before God?

Challenge: Let God still your heart and mind and give you His rest today.

CTA: Your athletes look up to you for guidance in every area of life—are you able to give them what they need? Check out FCA’s 360 Coach course !

How Do You Spend Your 24/7?

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 14:00:05 GMT

Article By FCA

How to reset your priorities to reshape the way you engage and spend your time in faith and sport.

What’s consuming your time?

What are you always thinking about? For what are you moving your schedule around and sacrificing time with friends and family? Have you lost the ability to see life for what it truly is? We’re consumed by the constantly shifting trends for better health, greater athletic results and even the pride in hustling 24/7, 365 days a year.

It’s a constant grind, and it’s not good.

This is not the life God desires for you. He has so much more in store, if only we’d slow down enough to listen and discern His heartbeat for us.

When you allow God to speak to you through the Holy Spirit and through His Word, you will experience a perspective change and start a journey toward a new kind of 24/7 life.

Stop fighting to keep up with culture’s demands or the never-ending approval vortex. Slow down, take a breath, and be present with the God who created you, who placed you where you live and the team you are on with good and loving intentions.

Let’s reset our perspective from trying to be everything to everyone. It’s overwhelming. And it’s not the life God intends for us. He has a life of hope, joy, peace and abundance, and it’s waiting for us to receive. God’s love compels us to pause and reflect on what’s been missing and how He wants to meet us in the madness.

As we practice finding rest in Him, our spirits switch from frantic to fueled, consumed to content.

But how do we get there? What does this journey look like, moving from overwhelmed to overflowing? How can we realign our lives for another way of living?

“Come to Me,” Jesus whispers, “Come away with me and recover your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).

When you take time to be still, it’s not just for physical, mental or emotional rest. As an athlete, reset is a new way of thinking or doing things, which frees you up to be the best athlete, student, friend or family member you can be.

The same is even more important for your spiritual well-being. Do you want to experience true freedom in your heart? Be still and be open to a brand-new perspective on life through the truth found in Jesus.

Here’s how to take a first step toward a reset in your own life:

Be Still

Slow down, be still and know that God is God.

You might find yourself needing a reset, but that’s hard to do if you can’t be still long enough to hear God’s voice. After all, He is the only one who can truly lead you in the right way you should go.

As hard as it may seem, take the time to stop and know that He is God. Recognize that He is in charge and He is the one who can give the perspective change you desperately need.

“Stop fighting, and know that I am God,
exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” – Psalm 46:10

Be Open

Knowing who God is gives us a confidence to open our hearts to Him as we understand He will not leave us. Take your exhaustion and fear to Him, let Him know what’s going on, and ask Him to step in and be with you. He will guide you to the truth you need, in the ways you need it.

Be open to what God has to say to you. Then, seek wisdom from God’s Word and from Christian believers. This requires humility (admitting you don’t know it all) and patience (realizing you won’t get it all at once).

“I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the mighty working of his strength.” – Ephesians 1:17-19

Be Clear

Once you open yourself up to knowing who Jesus is and the Father’s love through Him, you begin a journey toward freedom from performance and an understanding of your identity in Christ.

When you catch the revelation of who Christ is and who you are in Christ, you are free to be whom He created and called you to be. It isn’t about who you are and what you do. It’s about who He is and what He wants to do in you and through you.

“’So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.’” – John 8:36

Be still, be open, be free. Sounds like a recipe for success against the daily grind and a step in the right direction toward a healthier way of knowing and living for Jesus. He is the way to the Father, the way to salvation, everlasting peace and life in full right now.

Take up the training of Christ and switch your mindset to seek after Him 24/7. It will change everything.

LIVE IT OUT

Theme Verse: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” - Romans 15:13

Quarter Verse: “Stop fighting, and know that I am God,
exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” – Psalm 46:10

Question: How do you spend your 24/7? What are your priorities in athletics and life? Which do you need to pay attention to: being still, being open or being free?

Challenge: Read Psalm 46:10 and make a list of how God is greater than any pressure to cave to the cultural standards of today.

CTA: Want a deeper look into rest? Start FCA’s YouVersion Bible reading plan on rest that explores the benefits of rest, renewal and honoring the divinely created Sabbath: Start Plan

Reset

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Wed, 06 Dec 2023 02:07:36 GMT

Reset

“Stop fighting, and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” -Psalm 46:10

Life is a 24/7 grind. As an athlete, you’re always moving and there’s not much time to slow down. What if you lost momentum or ground? There’s no way to win in sports or in the game of life when you’ve stopped and everyone else is passing you by.

But sometimes, you might need a do over; time to stop and get a fresh start; time to move in a different direction. Maybe it’s time to be still and recognize the need for a new perspective in Christ.

In Luke 5:1-11, Jesus is preaching to a crowd along the shore when He asks some fishermen if He can speak to the people while sitting in their boat.

One of the fishermen was named Simon Peter. He was stuck in the 24/7 grind of life and needed a reset, but he couldn’t stop moving. He was always working and striving for the next big catch. Peter was in a performance trap, trying to keep up with the world’s expectations. But in this moment, he had no choice but to be still and listen. Peter and his friends were exhausted from hours of unsuccessful work.

After Jesus finished teaching, He told Peter to let out his nets one more time.

“When they did this, they caught a great number of fish, and their nets began to tear. So they signaled to their partners in the other boat to come and help them; they came and filled both boats so full that they began to sink” (vv. 6-7).

Peter fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, because I’m a sinful man, Lord!” (v. 5:8).

But Jesus instead invited Peter and the others to join Him on a journey that would change their lives forever. In that moment, Peter had a reset. He stopped what he was doing long enough to recognize his need for change. In that moment, Peter knew Jesus was the Son of God and his perspective shifted toward truth and freedom.

Like Peter, you might find yourself needing a reset, but that’s hard to do if you can’t be still long enough to hear God’s voice. After all, He is the only one who can truly lead you in the right way you should go through a relationship with His Son Jesus.

When you take time to be still, it’s not just for physical, mental or emotional rest. As an athlete, a reset is a new way of thinking or doing things, which will free you up to be the best athlete, student, friend or family member that you can be.

As hard as it may seem, take the time to stop and know that He is God. Recognize that He is in charge and He is the one who can give the perspective change you desperately need.

Just like Peter, you too can be set on a new path toward truth and freedom from the 24/7 grind if you take time to be still. When you allow God to speak to you through the Holy Spirit and through His Word, you will experience a perspective change and start a journey toward a new kind of 24/7 life.

This is the focus: When Christ resets my perspective, I’m free in Him.

“Stop fighting, and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” -Psalm 46:10

Refuel

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 02:17:03 GMT

Refuel

“… and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” -Ephesians 3:19

It doesn’t matter if you’re at the beginning of your training or at the end of a big game. The need to refuel your body and mind is a never-ending cycle. The same is true for you as a follower of Christ. You need the spiritual fuel that brings a supernatural joy and hope that will overflow into every aspect of your life.

As Jesus was about to return to Heaven, the disciples also needed an increase in power and strength. They were unsure of how they would be able to fulfill the new purpose Jesus had just given them, but before He left, He promised the help of the Holy Spirit was on the way (Acts 1:8).

Less than two weeks later, the disciples were gathered in a place we now call “The Upper Room” where they were waiting and praying during a Jewish festival known as Pentecost. Found in Acts 2:1-13, an incredible miracle took place:

“Suddenly a sound like that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. They saw tongues like flames of fire that separated and rested on each one of them. Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different tongues as the Spirit enabled them” (vv. 2-4).

The people outside represented many languages, but they could all understand what the disciples were saying. Peter then addressed the crowd with a bold, powerful message (Acts 2:14-41) that served as a testament to this new power from the Holy Spirit working in the lives of the disciples.

After the events of Pentecost, the believers began gathering every day in preparation for the calling that God placed on their lives (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 1:8).

Because they studied God’s Word, spent time in prayer and had fellowship together, the early church experienced rapid, substantial growth. Other amazing things also flowed out of their devotion to spiritual training.

As an athlete, you need a playbook or a game plan that will prepare you for competition. Not having clear instruction and guidance will lead to disastrous results.

The Bible is for the follower of Christ. The Bible is God’s sovereign Word, which contains all truth through the Gospel of Jesus Christ and everything you need to live for Him.

Just as you need physical and mental fuel for athletic performance, you need spiritual fuel to walk out God’s purpose for your life. Consistent communication with God draws you near to Him and brings peace and joy to your heart.

Studying God’s Word and spending time in prayer are two important ways you can refuel your spirit daily. Like personal training, you must do some individual hard work, but you’re not always expected to go at it alone. In fact, God has given you a community as another way to stay fueled for your new purpose in Christ.

The spiritual fuel of community was key to the early church’s survival. These believers had no one else to lean on. They were the cornerstones of a new faith and were about to experience persecution from all sides. They had to team up while still working toward the goal of telling the world the Good News of Jesus.

As you refuel in God’s joy and peace through Scripture, prayer and community, you are prepared to meet whatever challenge comes your way with wisdom and strength.

This is the focus: God refuels me with joy and hope that overflow into every aspect of my life.

“… and to know Christ’s love that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” -Ephesians 3:19

Ready

Sun, 03 Dec 2023 02:20:41 GMT

Ready

“And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you.” -1 Thessalonians 3:12

You’ve had a reset. You’ve renewed your purpose. You’ve refueled and trained for this moment. It’s time to make the play and that shot.

That’s why athletes compete—to have those opportunities to boldly put that hard work into practice. You know you’re ready when you have the confidence to give your best and not worry about the outcome.

In the same way as a believer, you’ve gone through the process of spiritual reset, renewal and refueling. You are now ready to show boldness and share the Gospel with unbelievers. It’s time to make disciples and live out of the overflow of Christ in you.

In Acts 4, Peter and John were arrested for healing a man who couldn’t walk and for using the miracle to publicly share their beliefs. Their boldness made a big impact.

“But many of those who heard the message believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.” – Acts 4:4

Peter and John were able to be bold because of the new power they had received from the Holy Spirit. They also had the courage to face their opponents because they had fostered accountability and strength through refueling with community.

Things didn’t get any easier for Peter and John. The next day, the religious leaders questioned them and challenged their spiritual authority. Despite threat of further punishment, Peter boldly defended his faith and preached a powerful message.

“When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus. And since they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in opposition.” – Acts 4:13-14

Peter and John were ready to go share because they had spent time refueling with scripture and prayer.

Like Peter and John, you too can have your own stories of showing boldness and sharing the Gospel. You just have to be willing to obey the Holy Spirit when those moments come.

As you become more ready each day to show your faith and share the Gospel, the Holy Spirit will create in you another aspect of the Christian walk—a desire to serve others, which is a vital way to express God’s love to those closest to you and to those that might be outside of your comfort zone.

When you serve others, you are showing God’s love for them and opening the door to sharing the Gospel. The easiest place to start with those closest to you: your teammates, your friends, your classmates and your family members.

It shouldn’t stop there. In fact, some of the greatest opportunities to serve are with people who are outside of your comfort zone. Stretching beyond convenient serving looks different for each individual.

The other side of your serve might be a classmate whose into academics more than athletics, a teammate whose family is struggling to get by financially, a reclusive neighbor who rarely leaves his or her house, or a classmate who speaks a different language than you.

Sharing God’s love with others is a vital part of your new purpose in Christ. As you use your gifts in this way, you will be ready to leave your overwhelmed life behind and experience the overflowing joy and peace written about in our theme verse:

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” – Romans 15:13

This is the focus: I am ready to go and make disciples out of the overflow of Christ in me.

“And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you.” -1 Thessalonians 3:12