GREATER Articles

Playing Out Your Purpose

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 14:45:00 GMT

Article By Sarah Freymuth

Staff Writer

God has a greater purpose for your life.

Everyone has dreams.

To make a certain team. To set a certain record. To coach in one town for their entire career.

Dig a little deeper and you’ll find a few universal dreams, things we all crave: To be loved. To feel safe and seen, valued and understood.

What’s it all for? All the effort, the time, the heart we put into our dreams, hoping they come true and dealing with the bitter disappointment if they don’t.

But what would it look like if you opened your dreams to God and allowed Him to shape His dreams for you and bring them to life? What if you opened up to Him and played out your purpose?

God wants to show you immeasurably more than you can imagine (Ephesians 3:20). He wants to work in and through you to make Himself known to a world in desperate need of Him. There is purpose to your life, and it’s time to live it out. There are greater things in store.

One of the greatest fulfilments of the gifts God gives us is His Holy Spirit.

When Jesus revealed Himself to His disciples after He rose to life, He not only came to reassure them, but to send them out on a mission, to fulfill their greater purpose.

“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.’ After saying this, he breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’” -John 20:21-22

The same Spirit that enabled these men to say and do incredible things for the Kingdom resides in us today. And it’s God’s desire to give us even greater accessibility and empowerment to bring His Kingdom to those around us.

God’s greater purpose for you gives you:

Greater Power

What does God ask of you? Does He have a specific task assigned that seems to be too much on your own? What He brings you to, He’ll lead you through. It’s not an easy thing God has asked you to do, but He will give you everything you need to do it.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you.” – Acts 1:8a

Greater Mission

Look at the talents you’ve been given. Look at your location, and who is placed around you. It’s not an accident; God has woven your life together where you are, and with who is here. There’s no better way to spend your time, talent and treasure than to share God’s life-changing and life-saving love with others.

“And you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8b

Greater Future

Through belief in Jesus and His saving work on the cross, your soul is set for eternity. Nothing can alter that. But there are others who are not there yet. Perhaps you’ve been placed in that locker room for more than just the game. You could be the light they see that sparks an interest in knowing more about the God you follow. The greater things you do will have an impact today and last for eternity.

“I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14

God’s dreams for you are just beginning. Through obedience and faithfulness to God’s dreams for your life, keeping close to Him in prayer and Bible reading, and relying on the Holy Spirit to empower and direct you, greater things are waiting and ready for you in Jesus. It’s time to play out your purpose in Him!

GET INVOLVED:

One of the ways to live out your greater purpose in Him is to serve coaches and athletes through FCA. There are many ways for you to get involved:

Connect with Local Staff

Join a Huddle

Join Team FCA

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question: Are you willing to let the Holy Spirit lead you in your daily life? How can you surrender to His guidance today?

Challenge: Get out of your comfort zone and share about the love of Jesus with someone you encounter.

What Are You Competing For?

Fri, 01 Dec 2023 13:30:00 GMT

Article By Mark Jones

Staff Writer

Set yourself up well by setting the right goals and dreams.

What is your dream?

When you think of your athletic goals, what is the win? Breaking a record? Winning a championship? Making it to the next level?

We start playing sports because it looks cool and fun. We see professionals on TV competing at high levels and we also want to achieve something great. So, we set goals. We start working out on our own. We find ways to diet and rest so we get the most out of our bodies. We surround ourselves with people who will help us achieve our goals—competitive teammates, coaches who will work extra with us, or maybe even a personal trainer.

We’re having fun, but eventually, we want to win. We want to knock down that goal and set up a new one to keep pushing forward. There is nothing wrong with setting goals and having dreams.

But as a competitor who has bought in to Christ and His work in our hearts and through our lives, we should have more than dreams of success and goals in sport. Our goals and dreams in life should consist of much more than what we can achieve for ourselves.

In His last few hours before His arrest, Jesus was teaching His disciples one last time. In John 14:12, He said, “’Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.’”

Let that verse sink in. Jesus, the agent of God’s creation, the only begotten Son who did miracle after miracle, said we will do greater works than Him? What?!

It is because of that last bit of verse that says, “…because I am going to the Father.” Jesus was not going to leave us alone. Jesus followed up by saying we need to pray and keep His commandments:

“’And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever. He is the Spirit of truth. The world is unable to receive him because it doesn’t see him or know him. But you do know him, because he remains with you and will be in you.’” -John 14:16-17

This Spirit of truth, the Holy Spirit, resides in us when we accept Jesus’ gift of salvation and redemption. When that happens, God gives us spiritual gifts that we are to use for Him. If we are followers of Christ, God will use those gifts to lead others to Himself and save them in Jesus. This is the greater work we will do. So, this is where we should set our goals and dreams as Christians.

How do we harness those gifts for God’s glory?

Training to achieve goals of the Spirit actually looks a lot like training for sports. Here are three things we as followers of Christ must be doing to utilize these gifts:

Diet and Rest

As Christians and athletes, we need fuel for the work. For an athlete, it is proper food and rest. In John 8:51, Jesus said, “’I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread he will live forever.’”

We need to trust in who He is and study the Scriptures. That will nourish the Spirit within us. He also said He will give us rest from our burdens (Matthew 11:28).

Workout

Successful athletes do not just walk on the scene and win. There is work that goes in. That’s true for the Christian too. Prayer is the best exercise for our spiritual fitness. The Spirit within us is our connection to God. Much like a workout changes the body to compete, prayer changes us to have a heart that beats with God’s. Psalm 37:4 says, “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires.”

Joyful communion with the Lord, through prayer and study, will lead to Him putting within us a heart like His, that wants what He wants.

A Team

Just as an athlete needs others, like coaches or teammates, to succeed, Christians do too. That team is the Church. Scripture is full of references to being in the lives of others, but Hebrews 10:24 says it plainly, “… not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.”

Whether it's over coffee or at Sunday worship, we need to build a strong community where we encourage and find encouragement. This keeps us going in using our gifts to reach others with Jesus’ love.

Setting goals and having dreams aren’t bad things. At times, you may need your goals to keep you motivated. But as a Christian, who has the God of the universe watching and guiding your through the Holy Spirit, those God-given gifts can mean eternal life change for those around you.

With the Spirit in you giving you power, you could be an agent of God’s life-altering love. How could your goals change knowing this? What could your life look like? For His glory, He’s given you a greater motivation to see the way you compete as a chance to change lives.

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question: What has been your motivation for competing? How might God be asking you to adjust that motivation?

Challenge: Ask God about how He wants you to approach a teammate who has been struggling and encourage them.

Call Out the Good

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 18:03:13 GMT

Article By Sarah Freymuth

Staff Writer

Words matter. Use them to build up your teammates for God.

Think about a mentor, a coach or an older teammate who took you aside to speak words of truth and encouragement. What happened when they spoke life over you and saw your potential, encouraging you to embrace what God has given you? How did that make you feel? Chances are you’ve replayed that conversation in your mind, even years after it happened.

Words matter. Maybe more than we know.

Encouragement is one of the most life-giving necessities we can both give and receive.

“Pleasant words are a honeycomb:
sweet to the taste and health to the body.” (Proverbs 16:24)

Where does deep and lasting encouragement come from? From the truth of God’s Word and who He says we are.

And how does someone truly experience the freedom and peace that comes from Jesus? They experience grace instead of condemnation.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)

No one felt this more acutely than a woman in Judea, who was brought to the temple to receive a sentencing for being caught in adultery. The Pharisees were waiting for a chance to trap Jesus, and this woman was a pawn in their game.

“At dawn he went to the temple again, and all the people were coming to him. He sat down and began to teach them. Then the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in adultery, making her stand in the center. ‘Teacher,’ they said to him, ‘this woman was caught in the act of committing adultery. In the law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?’ They asked this to trap him, in order that they might have evidence to accuse him.” (John 8:2-6)

The woman stood in front of holy men who were ready to condemn. They turned to Jesus and laid out this woman’s charges, then asked His thoughts.

What does Jesus do?

He writes in the sand. We’re not sure of the words, but they made an impact. Then, He spoke, and each of the men backed away.

Jesus stooped down and started writing on the ground with his finger. When they persisted in questioning him, he stood up and said to them, “The one without sin among you should be the first to throw a stone at her.” (John 8:6-7)

One by one, the accusers left, until only Jesus and the woman remained.

As the woman lifted her eyes and met Jesus’ gaze, she found kindness instead of condemnation. Jesus told her the truth of her sin, but that He also sees deeper than her actions.

“When Jesus stood up, he said to her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’

‘No one, Lord,’ she answered.

‘Neither do I condemn you,’ said Jesus. ‘Go, and from now on do not sin anymore.’” (John 8:10-11)

This woman experienced the personal attention, care and encouragement her heart longed for, perhaps for the first time. Jesus loved her, and it changed everything.

Words have the power to wreak havoc and divide, or they can connect and inspire. Jesus had choice words for those who abused the Law, He was firm and convicting. But for those who recognized their need for a Savior, His words were full of gentleness, empathy, love and life. He saw the good in others and who they could become when they lived out of their identity as God’s children.

Who around you needs encouragement? Is a teammate going through something difficult at home? Tell them something you’ve noticed about their character that you admire. Is someone on your coaching staff feeling pressure with their job? Speak truth over who they are in God’s eyes and remind them He has good plans for their life. (Jeremiah 29:11)

Find ways to call out the good in others by using words. Want what’s best for them in Christ and look for ways to live it out. There’s greater purpose when we go together.

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question: Are you calling out the good in others or complaining about them? What can help you change your attitude?

Challenge: Speak a word of encouragement to three people today and remind them how loved by God they are.

Celebrating Well

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 13:00:02 GMT

Article By Mark Jones

Staff Writer

Create a culture of celebrating victories big and small.

Being a Cincinnati Bengals fan for most of my life, I did not have much reason to celebrate. The team had not won a playoff game since 1990 and could only manage an average of six wins a season between 1990-2020. Then came 2021, and the Bengals somehow made it to the Super Bowl. Despite the loss in the game itself, it was lots of fun to celebrate something so rare as a Bengals Super Bowl bid. I had loads of friends joining in the celebration as well, which made it so much better.

Finding victory is awesome. But there is something special about being able to celebrate that victory. One of the important ways to achieve the unity as a team that Jesus spoke of is to celebrate together. When you win a big game, when one of your teammates or coaches achieves a milestone, when a player finishes well and is ready to head to the next new thing, these are all reasons to get together and have fun. And it can show God to others.

During His prayer in John 17, Jesus says this:

“’I have given them the glory you have given Me, so that they may be one as We are one. 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 17:22-23

In Luke 15, Jesus shares three parables: the Lost Sheep (vs.4-7), the Lost Coin (vs.8-10), and the Prodigal Son (vs.11-32). Each of these parables has some shared elements:

Victory – A shepherd loses one of this 100 sheep, but he finds it. A lady loses one of her precious silver coins, and turns the house upside down and finds it. A gentleman has one of his sons collect his inheritance and spends it all, only to return home again.

Joy – The shepherd joyfully carries home the sheep. The lady excitedly calls her neighbors. The father runs to his lost son when he sees him down the road.

Rejoicing Together – In each parable, they call their friends together and rejoice over the finding of what was lost.

Celebration, especially for the follower of Christ, should always be done from gratefulness and joy and praise to Him.

Through biblical celebration, we can:

Offer A Sacrifice of Praise

“Therefore, through him let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips that confess his name.” -Hebrews 13:15

Proclaim His Goodness

“Give thanks to the Lord; call on his name;
proclaim his deeds among the peoples.” -1 Chronicles 16:8

Be Glad and Trust the Lord

“I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore, my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely.” -Psalm 16:8-9

These verses are just some of Scripture that remind us our celebration should come from a sincere joy in our hearts for the work of God through His Son Jesus. Our excitedness over being forgiven should reflect the love of the Lord to the world. Jesus’ work on the cross is a victory, a victory God accredits to us who repent and trust in it. His forgiveness of our sins is a victory. Therefore, we should always be celebrating. And when we gather together in joy and thankfulness, it is all the sweeter because we’re celebrating as God designed us to do so.

It is okay to create a culture of celebrating victories, even if it is a small one. If you’re a coach, celebrate your athletes’ successes; they will see the model and celebrate with each other. If we constantly just point out the flaws or areas of improvement, joy will get squashed under the burden that sport can become. If you’re an athlete, thank your coach for helping you to improve. Pat a teammate on the back when they score or make the big play, or even pass a test that was really hard. These types of intentions will infuse joy into others.

The end of John 17:23 says, “… that the world may know You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me.”

Remember, when we celebrate with others for a victory or achievement or a strong finish, we are loving and serving them by joining them in their joy. That will create a bond that is hard to break, and it is in a community of love and service that God is most reflected.

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question: How can you offer a sacrifice of praise today?

Challenge: Choose a teammate and do the spotlight drill: speak words of life and encouragement.

Unified as a Team

Sun, 15 Oct 2023 13:30:00 GMT

Article By Scott Staal

Staff Writer

Great teams rally around a greater vision.

When it’s all said and done, what do you want to have been said and done?

It’s a question worth pausing to ponder. When you play or coach in your last competition, what do you want your legacy – your enduring impact – to be? For many, the deceptive allure of the scoreboard and stat sheets promise to etch your name into the record book’s glory; that is, however, until no one remembers anymore. While excelling in your sport is good and memorable, the way in which you do so is what truly lasts. When your team buys into this idea, that’s when great things start to happen.

Great teams rally around a greater vision.

The teams that defy the odds, overcome incredible obstacles and achieve unprecedented performances are typically those that believe in something greater. While the end goal is a focal point, they are adamant about the dailies–those routines that shape, sharpen and sustain the greater vision. The team’s identity is solidly defined, and individual players know who they are, too. It’s from this point–clearly defined and unwavering identity–that the team knows where they want to go and how they want to do it.

The same is true for you.

As a disciple of Jesus, you are on a greater team comprised of fellow disciples, known as the body of Christ. Your identity in Jesus is solid, for it establishes the foundation of who you are in Him. Your old life is gone, and your new life is here. Your position on this team is never in jeopardy, as your identity as a dearly beloved son or daughter of God can never be revoked or removed. The journey with Jesus is one of increasing depth and change as we pursue a greater vision of making Him known in the world. When a team of disciples are committed and compelled to live this out, three important things occur through the way in which they live.

Greater Sacrifice

The way in which this team loves one another will stand out to a watching world. To follow Jesus is to live like Him; to do life as He would. Jesus’ instructions to His team are clear: “’This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends’” (John 15:12-13). How may Jesus be inviting you to lay down your agenda so that you can take up His and support a fellow disciple who may need your love and support?

Greater Invitation

Genuine love and sacrifice stick out in today’s world. Often, others who have yet to follow Jesus may want to join the team.

“Then He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.’” -Mark 16:15

Are you ready to share your faith and invite others to follow Jesus? Is your heart softened to love others regardless of their background or present circumstances?

Greater Power

Remember: It’s the way in which this team lives that truly matters. When the body of Christ gathers around God’s Word and is empowered by the Holy Spirit, powerful transformation can occur in and through them. As you go out each day, surrendered to following the ways of Jesus, get ready to watch Him work. Others will notice too.

“’By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.’” -John 13:35

The team you are on stands at the ready, challenged to pursue a greater vision of unleashing the good news about Jesus to a lost and hurting world. Where you go matters. How you do it matters more. A truly significant legacy is available today, poised to leave ripple effects for all eternity. And when it’s all said and done, this is the only thing that lasts.

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question: Who are the ones around you that you can come together with to encourage one another in a greater Kingdom purpose?

Challenge: Think of someone who needs to know about the love of Jesus. Don't wait; tell them about Him today.

Competing with a Greater Purpose

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 20:17:42 GMT

Article By Sarah Freymuth

Staff Writer

There is greater purpose when we compete with a mindset of glorifying God.

When things go right, praise and celebration usually follow. We make the game winning shot, and the crowd goes wild. We get the scholarship to play at a dream university, and our community sees us as a success. We win a championship, and we gain more sponsorships for the following year.

It feels good to be seen and noticed, even celebrated. But this can and will never be the source of true happiness. And when we’re on a team, success depends on how well we work together with our teammates. It’s not up to us as individuals.

Remembering our greater purpose for competing puts the attention on Jesus. He was the ultimate example of the Light of the world, yet His humility and identity were rooted in God. Jesus didn’t do anything without proper connection to His Father. He knew His ultimate purpose was to bring God glory.

Jesus, when He knew the time arrived for His arrest and death, told His disciples the purpose behind the events that were about to happen.

“When he [Judas] had left, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in him. If God is glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself and will glorify him at once.’” (John 13:31-2)

Jesus was sent to Earth for the greatest purpose ever—to live a perfect life, die for our sins, defeat death and leave us with the greater promise of eternal life. Another part of His purpose was to bring glory to God through His teachings, His compassion and His miraculous works.

If anyone had a right to take the glory for Himself, it was Jesus. But He didn’t take His Lordship as something to brag about:

“Adopt the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus,

who, existing in the form of God,
did not consider equality with God
as something to be exploited.
Instead He emptied himself
by assuming the form of a servant,
taking on the likeness of humanity.
And when He had come as a man,
He humbled himself by becoming obedient
to the point of death—
even to death on a cross.
For this reason God highly exalted Him
and gave Him the name
that is above every name,
so that at the name of Jesus
every knee will bow—
in heaven and on earth
and under the earth—
and every tongue will confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:5-11)

Through Him, we can be better equipped and unified to submit to our role on our team, the wellbeing of our teammates and steadfast mindset of glorifying God through our play.

Competing with a greater purpose deflects the glory from self and sets our sights on God and His greater work within us. When we give our lives to Him, God shifts our priorities to line up with the best He has in store, not only through circumstances, but through a greater internal work of our hearts.

God gives us a greater glory as we trust Him and allow Him to move in and around us by:

Glorified Life

As we accept Jesus’ work on the cross to save us from sin and an eternity without God, we are mindful to glorify God in every aspect of our lives—mind, body, soul.

“For you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:20)

Glorified Works

As we glorify God in our bodies and lives, He spreads into every aspect of our days: In our relationships, our schoolwork, our jobs, in competition, our free time and all other spaces and places.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

Glorified Future

Praise the Lord: We get to glorify Him in the here and now, but also for all of eternity! Every ounce of our efforts here on Earth lead to the everlasting praise and glory we get to give God when we live with Him in Heaven.

“For from Him and through Him
and to Him are all things.
To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36)

When we receive glory for things we have done through Jesus, we are to point people to God and pass all the glory along to Him. This is the best strategy: Give God the glory.

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question: Are you giving God the glory due to Him or taking it for yourself? How can you shift your mindset and actions to spotlight Him in your life?

Challenge: Think of something God has gifted you in. How can you use it to point others to Christ?

Overcoming Injury as an Athlete

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 12:00:03 GMT

Article By Arbor Diggs

Staff Writer

Sometimes the things that seem to derail us take us to where we need to be.

I first heard my left ankle pop in the summer of 2014. I disregarded it because as a ballet dancer, you get used to your body popping. After a few months, I didn’t only hear a popping noise, but I felt pain. I began to search for an answer. After three and a half years of searching, four different doctors, two different medical staff, one month in a cast, two months in a boot, three x-rays, one MRI, and endless days spent dancing in pain, I finally found the answer. But, it wasn’t how I expected.

In January 2018, my doctor told me there was a nodule growing inside the deepest tendon of my foot that could erupt and cause irreputable damage. Surgery for a complete ankle reconstruction was immediately scheduled.

As athletes, we are known for our preparation and performance. We put hours into working out, eating right, practicing hard and performing even harder. We prepare to perform. But we are not prepared for an injury that puts everything on pause.

The Physical Battle

Injuries are frustrating and upsetting, and they come with many battles. First, there’s the physical battle of recovering. We can no longer be the athlete we once were. We can no longer do what we trained for, and sometimes, we lose the caliber at which we once performed. This can leave us feeling frustrated, depressed and super low.

The Spiritual Battle

The spiritual battle can be much more difficult than the physical. This is where the enemy loves for us to be.

The spiritual battle is next, and this is much more difficult than the physical. This is where the enemy loves for us to be.

“A thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy.” -John 10:10a

Our enemy comes in at our lowest moments and plants lies in our heads amid our suffering. Lies that make us feel worthless since we cannot compete, lies that make us question God and His goodness and plan for us. Lies that seek to steal, kill and destroy our joy and trust in God.

The enemy wants the outcome of our injury to be fear.

God wants the outcome of our injury to be faith.

The Outcome of the Battle

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” -John 16:33

God does not leave us in our injuries. He gives us His Word so that in Him, we can have ultimate peace and hope, no matter what.

He wants the outcome of any injury we go through to be trust, hope and peace. He wants us to experience Him in greater ways.

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” -Matthew 11:28

God tells us to be courageous and overcome our injuries by coming to Him, and He gives recovery, healing, rest, and abundant life.

During my year-long recovery, God was working in my heart and growing me to see things I would have never seen if I did not get injured. He was healing my ankle, but at the same time, my heart. God grew me by teaching me sometimes the darkest seasons of my life can be the brightest light that points us to God. He helped me find my true identity by showing me that ballet was not who I was, but simply what I did.

Sometimes, injuries can become an upside-down blessing, because the outcome can be a deeper, stronger and closer relationship with God.

How to Handle Disappointment

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 12:00:11 GMT

Article By Sarah Freymuth

Staff Writer

God works through the let downs of life to lead us to lasting fruit.

It’s the sinking feeling in the bottom of your stomach when you don’t see your name on the final roster.

It’s the searing pain when you drop to the ground and realize something isn’t right with your knee.

It’s the call you don’t want to receive when your job has been on the line all season.

Let down disappoints.

Disappointment cuts deep.

In one instant, dreams collapse and reality looks so different, so foreign.

What do we do in these moments where there doesn’t seem to be a way forward?

God wants you to know He is right there with you when it doesn’t feel good and your heart is heavy with unmet hopes and disbanded dreams.

It’s an upside-down way of thinking, but the hurts in our lives are working on our behalf. God uses all things for good, and this includes a burst bubble, injuries and even rejection.

God is more interested in the shape of our character than the status of our situation.

If we allow Him access to the places inside of us that hurt and listen to what He might be whispering to us through them, growth takes place.

A deep growth. A lasting growth. A pruning growth. God uses our disappointments to make way for fruit in our lives that point to the God of all good things who gives us purpose and life.

His desire is that we bear fruit for the benefit of others and for our own personal relationship with Him. In John 15, Jesus paints the picture of vines and branches, gardeners and fruit, abiding and relationship.

“’My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be my disciples.’” (John 15:8)

As an ongoing and personal relationship with Jesus produces spiritual fruit in our lives, enduring through disappointment produces perseverance, which grows our character.

Ultimately, God gives us the hope we need to endure disappointment and fix our eyes forward. And in that process, He grows good fruit in us.

Our disappointments can lead us to produce:

Fresh Fruit

Godly characteristics can be produced no matter the circumstance—good or bad. God is intentional about creating a refining faith that shapes us more and more into the image of His Son Jesus. Good, bad and in between, nothing is wasted in our development, and we get to experience more of God’s character in ways we never would have otherwise had we not gone through the trials.

“Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” (James 1:2–3)

Healthy Fruit

As you grow into these godly characteristics, they don’t only benefit you, but they can help others. Who around you needs a listening ear, a wise word or a heart that points them to Jesus? People will know we know Jesus by the way we care, and as God develops the fruit of the Spirit in our lives, it can’t help but overflow toward others.

“So that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and growing in the knowledge of God.” (Colossians 1:10)

Lasting Fruit

This fruit isn’t just for a quick fix. Godly characteristics can be produced consistently and have a long-term impact on those around you. Our end goal is Christlikeness, and this is a steady consistency that holds us steady, plants us deep in God’s Word, and produces wisdom, grace and peace that lasts.

“He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams
that bears its fruit in its season,
and its leaf does not wither.
Whatever he does prospers.” (Psalm 1:3)

God wants us to draw near to Him and abide in His love. If we naturally stay close, we can’t help but receive the fruit God offers to us. As hard as it is, disappointment plays a role in our spiritual development. We see God in deep ways through disappointment, and He strengthens us so we can become a source of comfort to others when they face their own struggles.

Pain points us to Jesus, who has bigger plans for our wellbeing that can develop into greater strength for His glory and our good.

While people, sports and situations may disappoint us, Jesus never will.

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question: How do you handle disappointment? How can you face disappointment knowing it can help shape your character?

Challenge: Share a Bible verse about God helping in disappointment with someone who is going through a challenge.

Sharing Your Faith With Your Team

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 12:00:07 GMT

Article By Adelie Cox

"So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free." -John 8:36

When you hear that Christians are to share their faith with others, what sort of feelings and emotions arise within you? You may feel a rush of nervousness, fear, excitement, anticipation or even guilt. All these things are normal. However, living in the freedom that comes from knowing Christ and sharing this freedom with others can be challenging. It can feel intimidating and tough to know where to start.

As a coach or athlete, you have numerous opportunities to share the love of Jesus with your teammates by how you play, lead, respond to wins and losses, and interact with your team. It's the small things that set you apart and cause people to wonder what makes you different.

So, where do you start?

Know Your Freedom

"You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." -John 8:32

Sometimes we can quickly forget our freedom in knowing Jesus as our Savior. We can get caught up in the grind of the day-to-day and forget to pause and remember what a gift it is to be known and be loved by the Savior of the world. If you know Jesus, you have been set free by His truth. But only some know this truth, and only some know what it means to be truly free.

Without freedom in Christ, the highs and lows of life hit differently. Coaches and athletes who aren't yet competing with a greater purpose may experience burnout from the constant striving and believing that who they are is measured by what they do or accomplish.

There is freedom available to them. But, they may need a friend or teammate to help them experience the only truth that can set them free from striving and help them compete for something more.

Ways to share the freedom you have in Christ:

Being joyful, despite circumstances.
Endurance through trials you face.
Being free from the pressures to succeed.
Loving and encouraging them with God's truth.

Know Your Influence

“Jesus spoke to them again: ‘I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.’" -John 8:12

Just as Jesus is the light of the world, we are to shine our light so others may see God's good work in us (Matthew 5:16). It's up to us to live in a way that glorifies God and allows others to see more of His love, grace, kindness and faithfulness. In ALL we do, we should do it for God's glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). How you treat people, respond to disappointment and lead your team matters. Misplaced hope shatters us in the face of disappointment. But, when we place our hope in Jesus, we are not shaken by the things of this world because Christ is our foundation.

This unshakeable hope, unending joy and the ability to not be derailed by the things of this world is what sets us apart as Jesus' followers and what sets you apart on your team.

When you choose to follow Jesus, you are on mission with Him and called to use your influence to share the truth and message of the Gospel. Your teammates and players need to hear this truth. This truth can be shared over time in how you live, lead and love your team and others.

Don't believe the lie that you can't make a difference, and don't say no to Jesus for someone else! Instead, recognize your influence and be confident you can make a difference where God has called you.

See the Bigger Picture

One day, you'll take the field, court, track or arena for the last time. The position and influence you have right now are short-lived compared to the bigger picture. But, you have the opportunity right here to be a light, to love like Jesus and bring others closer to the ONLY truth that can set them free.

Think about these questions:

In what ways can you use more of your influence?
How can you show others more of Christ's love today?
Who can you invite to church or an FCA Huddle?

There's no perfect way to share your faith with your team, but understanding the freedom, influence and gift you have in Christ can lay a foundation for Gospel conversations to take place. If you're ready to share the Gospel with a teammate, player or friend but aren't sure where to start, check out FCA's resource The FOUR .

Prayer:

Lord, help us recognize opportunities we have to show others more of who you are and use our influence to share the love of Christ. Thank You for Your grace and for the gift we have in knowing Jesus as our Savior. Help us not to be fearful or hold back this gift from others. People need this hope and are desperate to live for something more. Give us the confidence we need to boldly live out our faith, so that more may see you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Let God's Grace Be Your Fuel

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 12:00:10 GMT

Article By Sarah Freymuth

FCA Staff Writer

Be fueled by who God says you are and persevere in His purpose for your life.

Thirsty? Grab a Gatorade. Need something to fill your hunger between a hard practice and long day of classes? Power bars should do the trick. The world is full of quick and easy thirst and hunger quenchers that send us on our way through the frantic schedule of sports, schoolwork, jobs and extracurricular activities.

These may fuel our bodies for a while, but eventually we’ll burn right through them and be left in the same spot. Our bodies need true nourishment to keep us in peak condition for our long and grueling seasons.

It’s the same for our spiritual lives. Our spirits need the right fuel to think, act and live as God’s children and represent Him to the world.

So much in life can drain us, and we can quickly start running on empty. But we have God's grace as our greatest fuel that not only fills us up, but it keeps us replenished.

How do we fuel up on God’s grace? Swallow down the Bread of Life that will never leave us hungry.

“’I am the bread of life,’ Jesus told them. “No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again.” (John 6:35)

Jesus offers a new way to fuel. As an athlete, you might be looking for nutritional and healthy ways to unlock your full potential. But with God, there is a greater fuel that will empower your body, mind and spirit: Faith, hope and love. These things poured into us through the life of Jesus will give us the guidance of His Holy Spirit within us. We can strive all we want, but if we don’t allow Jesus to sustain us, we will crash and burn.

I don’t know about you, but I’m in need of replenishment and strength that He brings, highlighted in 1 Corinthians 13:

“Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love—but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

How does Jesus fuel these areas, and why is it important?

Jesus Fuels Your Faith

Everywhere we look points towards panic. Catch a bit of the news and you’ll hear about scandals, catastrophes and tragedy. Rumors of budget cuts circle through the athletic department, leaving us worried and uncertain. In a time where the world offers fear, God is offering belief in something bigger and better that goes beyond confusion and doubt. He’s offering truth and comfort that He is in control. When all seems to be spinning in uncertainty, faith in His power and sovereignty holds us stead.

“Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Jesus Fuels Your Hope

Does it seem that more and more despair seeps into conversations? Along with the worries of the world, it doesn’t seem like humanity is doing much to come up with a solution. Feeling alone and discouraged is incredibly disorientating, and it’s tempting to believe things won’t change. But while the world is offering hopelessness, God is offering the promise of a better today, a brighter future and an unimaginable eternity.

“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)

Jesus Fuels Your Love

Sometimes, it all just feels too much. Too much anger, too much defensiveness and too much of a demand to take sides. It gets exhausting: Trying to keep the peace, and often, your attempts go unnoticed or unappreciated. The way to combat the friction is not a louder voice but a softer heart. While the world is offering anger and hate, God is offering unconditional, sacrificial and selfless love that can flow to you and through you.

“And we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.” (John 4:16)

Through Jesus, we can be fueled in every way to live a full life and experience a greater performance with Him. Our lives can take new shape as we embrace the truth of God’s Word and who He says we are. Our spiritual muscles grow, the Light of the world lives within us and we reflect that light to a fractured world.

Let God’s grace be your fuel. He alone is the source of sustaining replenishment.

LIVE IT OUT

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question: Where have you relied on your own strength lately? How has it come up short? How can you replenish in Jesus’ strength?

Challenge: Share the goodness of having Jesus as our true fuel and refreshment with someone in need of this reminder today.

What Does Success Look Like?

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Sat, 15 Jul 2023 19:00:28 GMT

Article By Sarah Freymuth

FCA Staff Writer

God longs for more time with you, and for you to know Him in greater ways.

We all have our ideas on what success looks like. It could be winning a state or national championship. It could be getting a personal best in our event. It could be setting a school record. It could even be something as simple as setting the clock back an hour to make sure we give enough time in the morning for that workout we keep avoiding.

The world has its idea of success: Be the best. Be you. Be bold. Acquire more. Make it to the top.

According to God, His idea of success looks different. To God, success is staying in step with Christ and connecting with Him. Success is living out each day loving Him, loving others and resting in our identities as sons and daughters of the King. Success is taking a hurt to Him instead of snapping a quick response when someone offends us. Giving a tired worker at the store a warm smile and word of encouragement. Getting up an hour earlier to ensure we have enough time to listen and talk with God.

What motivates us for this success? Looking to God and seeing His delight in us.

Sometimes, the extra commitment wears on us, and it takes a while to get used to new habits. But God knows what we need, when we need it, and the exact steps, connections and growth to set us up for success in Him.

“How happy is the one who does not walk in the advice of the wicked or stand in the pathway with sinners or sit in the company of mockers! Instead, his delight is in the LORD’s instruction, and he meditates on it day and night. He is like a tree planted beside flowing streams[a] that bears its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.” –Psalm 1:1-3

To the world’s standards, success might look upside down. But to God, His definition of success is everything. When we delight in His instruction, we absorb His wisdom in our hearts and minds, and it takes hold and transforms us. His approval is what we’re after, no longer tempted by the world’s short-lived ideas.

Staying connected to the source of our peace, joy, love, hope and goodness is true success. Jesus is after our hearts, embedded in genuine relationship.

“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.” –John 15:5

God looks beyond our current situations and sees the bigger picture. And His goal is for us to stay close to Him and become more like Jesus. When we stay connected, success begins to look like the fruit that’s produced in our lives.

When we grow in Christ, our hearts look more like His. The things that once concerned us, like the drive for success in our performance or what other people say about us, becomes less important. In its place is the heart of God, our eyes aligning to see what He sees. We begin to pray for the teammate who is struggling to find his or her place, or we share a word of encouragement with a young coach navigating the new world of coaching at a university.

Look at the world around you: Who needs the grace of God’s truth today?

Remaining in Him, relying on His character and promises, sets us up for long-term success that keeps us grounded when the ways of culture shift and shake. Teams change, coaches come and go, but the Word of the Lord stands forever (Isaiah 40:8).

There is no greater win than opening your heart to the love and rule of Jesus.

There is no greater win than sharing the gift of salvation with those around you, letting them know how loved they are by a good and faithful God.

Choose the greater win of Jesus and remain in Him. Stay in step with Him and you’ll have all the success that truly matters.

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question: What has success looked like to you in the past? How can you stay connected to Jesus so His success becomes yours?

Challenge: Live out John 15:5 today and abide in Jesus’ presence.

Looking to take your faith another step deeper? Check out FCA's resource, The CORE , and be equipped with eight ways to strengthen your faith.

How Do You Glorify God in Sport?

Sat, 01 Jul 2023 19:27:17 GMT

Article By Amy*

Southeast Asia Leader

Three truths to keep you grounded as you find God on the field.

“The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” –John 12:25

One of my all-time favorite movies is Chariots of Fire. I remember watching this as a young adult and being deeply impacted by the story of Eric Liddell. The movie is based on the true story of two British athletes who won gold medals in the 1924 Olympics. The motivation to run and compete for both star athletes, however, was different. Eric Liddell, a devout Christian, ran for the glory of God and the love of running while Harold Abraham, a Jew, ran to overcome prejudice and anti-Semitism.

Shortly after winning the Olympic gold medal for Britain in the 400m, Liddell went to China as a missionary and died imprisoned there for his Christian faith. He was clear that the purpose of his life was to put God first and bring Him glory.

I am reminded of the verse in John 12 where Jesus talks about commitment to God being so central to who we are, that our striving for advantage, glory and pleasure goes away:

“The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” --John 12:25

The why is important. I think Eric Liddell’s why captures it simply and profoundly:

“I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast and when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

When we do everything motivated by our love for God and feel the pleasure of what we are born to do, whether we are playing a sport, coaching players or ministering to athletes, we bring God glory.

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” –1 Corinthians 10:31

The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Corinthian church takes it a notch higher when he says to glorify God in everything we do. That means not only in the important things, but even in the mundane things like eating and drinking.

If we learn in the small things and daily moments to keep God at the center, then in the big moments of sporting success, it will be about God and not about us.

How do we apply this concept of glorifying God to competing?

Here are three simple truths to ensure the glory goes to God:

1. Keep It Centered—always put God at the center.

“For from Him and through Him

and to Him are all things.

To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” –Romans 11:36

If we pause to consider where our athletic skills come from, we know it is from God. He has given us our ability, talent and opportunity to shine or be an influencer for Him. When we are tempted to take all the glory in success or deflect the blame in failure, we have shifted the center from God to us.

God wants us to shine, to do things with excellence, to win even when we lose because it is not about us. When we perform brilliantly, God gets the glory; when we don’t succeed but lose graciously, God still gets the glory. Mathew 5:16 says to let our light shine so others may see the good and give glory to our Father.

Not only do I glorify God when I perform to the best of my ability and give it my all, but through what I do, others will begin to see and glorify Him as well.

2. Keep It 100—no faking or pretense.

In the quest for glory and fame, many athletes have compromised values and standards and thrown away great talent, while sometimes even destroying their careers and families. It is never worth it to fake it. Facing the facts helps us ground the realities around us and shift the focus to God. Romans 4:19 talks about Abraham and his faith in the face of the facts, but it focuses on the hope Abraham exhibited in his action of belief.

“He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body to be already dead (since he was about a hundred years old) and also the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, because he was fully convinced that what God had promised, He was also able to do.” –Romans 4:19

The facts may not always appear positive or helpful, but God’s promise and His presence always will. When an injury threatens to cut short a promising career or when you sit out on the bench for the entire season, you can still bring God glory by speaking and acting through your circumstances in ways that will honor Him.

3. Keep It Clear—focus.

Ability and opportunity are gifts from God. We did nothing to earn them, and we cannot boast about them, but they create chances to step up and step out in our faith.

“For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you didn’t receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as if you hadn’t received it?” –1 Corinthians 4:7

When we allow the gift of sport to become our all-consuming passion, we derive our identity from it. The danger is that when we begin to idolize the very gift God gave us to bring glory to Him and own it as if we earned it, we become enslaved to it. We must seek to shine the spotlight on God and His greatness, not our own. While it’s important to give our best effort for every game, it’s more important to be a representative of God every time we step onto the field.

Our identity is first and foremost who we are in Christ. This frees us to play our best and leave the outcome of winning or losing to Him. The real and lasting result is not reflected on the scoreboard but in how well our thoughts, words and actions showcase the Father.

Setting the Pace

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 15:06:50 GMT

God longs for more time with you, and for you to know Him in greater ways.

Runners are disciplined athletes. They measure breath, match strides to the uphill, downhill, or flat landscapes, and they know which points of the route to speed up or stay consistent. Runners traverse all sorts of paths to best prepare for each race.

Like runners who set their pace and cadence for each race, we must set a pace for spiritual practices.

Spiritual practices create lasting disciplines that draw us deeper into the heart of God. God is always after deeper relationship, greatly expressed in the life of Jesus.

“Jesus answered, ‘If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.’” (John 14:23)

We make space for Jesus in our hearts and make ourselves available to His guidance. Setting the pace for our spiritual lives begins with our daily disciplines.

How do we form these disciplines?

Remain in God’s Word

Speak it out loud. Write God’s Word on pieces of paper and spread them around your house. Type them into your phone and set a particularly helpful verse as your lock screen image. This world and the enemy of our souls play rough, and one of the best ways we can stand firm is to stand on God’s Word. The more we can memorize and repeat Scripture to ourselves, the more the Holy Spirit can use God’s Word to transform us. And the more we see transformation and God’s movement in our lives, the more confidence we have to live out our faith and remind others how powerful it is to stick to God’s Word.

“For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Engage in Prayer

As God’s Word is living and active, so is the Holy Spirit within us. God is a living being who longs to communicate with His children. As we are made for relationship with our parents, teammates, classmates, spouses and church family, God has made us for relationship with Him. One way to do this is to talk with Him, which is prayer. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s honest. Tell Him how you’re feeling. Thank Him for what He has given you in your life and for who He is. And take time to be quiet and listen for Him. As you speak, He speaks as well, and it’s important for His voice to come in clear.

“Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8)

Seek the Company of Others

We’re not meant to run this race alone. God’s design is for community, and it’s in community where we sharpen and encourage one another, learn more about God, and form deeper connections with brothers and sisters in Christ. Getting together to spend time reading and discussing the Bible nourishes our spirits. Someone may see something in you that you haven’t noticed, and they can call it out, whether it’s for edifying or correcting.

“And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

If we can plan out space for God’s Word, prayer and the fellowship of community, we’re keeping a steady pace that continuously fills us and makes room to lean in closer to the Lord. As the race of our Christian life keeps going, our endurance maintains, and we can sustain any weariness as we know how to adjust as needed.

God longs for more time with you, and for you to know Him in greater ways. Setting the pace is a great plan as we create rhythms of rest that we can live from and build others up along the way.

Setting the pace with spiritual practices isn’t just smart, it’s life-changing.

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question: In which areas of spiritual practices would you like more of? How can cultivating these practices be greater than what the world offers?

Challenge: Live out John 14:23 today in a way that shows how closeness with God is greater than the ways of the world that say living for self is best.

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.

What's Your Motivation?

Thu, 01 Jun 2023 18:47:38 GMT

Article By Jena James

FCA Staff Writer

Live out your right to serve and compete as a child of God.

Ask a coach or athlete about the source of their motivation and you’ll probably hear responses such as:

“My motivation is my family.”

“I play for the respect of my teammates and coaches.”

“I want to become a professional and earn lots of money.”

You might even hear that they are motivated by the fear of failure. Competitors can be so engulfed in their sport, the idea of losing and underperforming drives them to never give up. Coaches, athletes and parents also place an enormous amount of pressure on competitors to be great. Set by the standards of the sports industry, success is often in our minds.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

But all of this is missing something: An even greater motivation. What about God?

As Christian coaches and athletes, we must always be mindful that we are in this world, but we are not of this world. Our biblical worldview should start with a mindset that reminds us we’re not here to serve man or gain worldly possessions. Everything we do, including competing in our sports, is to serve God and share the Gospel of Jesus with others through our performance.

This purpose is the ultimate motivator for why we play.

We are in close, everyday proximity with teammates and fellow staff who may have never heard about Jesus. What if we were motivated to share Him as often as we can? Imagine how their lives would change if they knew they have the right to be called children of God.

“But to all who did receive Him, he gave them the right to be children of God, to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:12)

Consider this: Most athletes hang out with other athletes. They build friendships with peers as they grow up together, play on the same teams and genuinely want to see each other succeed.

Remember when you first received salvation? Do you recall how excited you were? You probably wanted the whole world to know that same salvation. You were motivated and encouraged that if Jesus could save you, surely, He could save your friends too.

That’s the greater motivation that should drive us in our performance.

Romans 8:5 tells us that those who live by the flesh set their minds on things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit are motivated by the Spirit of God. As we shift our perspective to expand from competing for success or approval to leading those around us to the Lord, it makes an incredible impact. When we operate from our identity as God’s son or daughter, the way we see the world changes.

Perform with Heaven in mind. You’re competing for the transformation of lives. Your actions are speaking louder than the scoreboard or stats you achieve. Imagine if just one coach or athlete came to know Christ because of your testimony and how you played for a godly purpose. Now that is a GREATER motivation.

Finding True Rest

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Mon, 22 May 2023 19:51:12 GMT

Jesus gives us His peace that’s more replenishing than any effort we can try and obtain on our own.

The constant grind of school, practice, lifting, meetings, late night homework and sleep—on repeat—gets exhausting. Especially in the middle of the season, when the rigor of routine has us on autopilot and we’re simply going through the motions.

Sometimes, when we wake up in the morning, it doesn’t even seem like we got much sleep. We’re worn down before the day even begins! This isn’t the life God intends for us. He desires deep, lasting soul rest for His children. But what does this rest look like? What if we can’t keep up with what’s expected by our coaches, and even our own standards? It’s almost become a badge of honor to be busy, but in reality, busy just brings burnout. How do we find true rest from the chaos of our days and pace of our culture?

We need to look to the true Source of rest.

Is Jesus OK with us resting? Absolutely. Jesus invites us to rest, and He desires us to come to Him, depleted as we may be, and receive the grace and rest He offers. He says come to Him, all who are weary, and He will give us rest. (Matthew 11:28)

What does this look like? Let’s look at what Jesus did. He stayed in step with the Father as He lived out His mission on earth. Yes, Jesus accomplished a lot, but He did it out of the overflow of genuine connection and obedience to God.

He set aside time to be with God.

“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he got up, went out, and made his way to a deserted place; and there he was praying.” -Mark 1:35

Jesus slipped away from the crowds and demands of His day, taking time early in the morning or late at night to still His heart to hear and respond to His Father. He behaved like this was His lifeline, to connect with God, hear His voice and discern direction. We, too, need to pause before God, talk to Him, listen and read His Word. We are transformed when we take in Scripture.

What can we do to spend time with God?

Get up early, or carve out time at lunch or before bed, to pray and read the Bible.
Take a Sabbath, a day of being, not doing.
Invite the Holy Spirit to open your heart to what God might want to say.

He modeled physical rest.

“On that day, when evening had come, he told them, ‘Let’s cross over to the other side of the sea.’ So they left the crowd and took him along since he was in the boat. And other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking over the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. He was in the stern, sleeping on the cushion. So they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher! Don’t you care that we’re going to die?” -Mark 4:35-38

Jesus fell asleep in a boat as a storm pressed in. His body was tired, and He knew it was good to physically restore. Even when others frantically wanted His help, Jesus was willing to take a nap. He knew when His body needed rest, and He was unapologetic about taking it. Jesus needed rest and replenishment for His physical body. He took the time to recharge, even in the middle of a raging storm. Especially in the middle of the storm.

What can we do to rest?

Take a quick nap or lay down for 15-30 minutes.
Take a little walk outside or sit in nature; being in God’s natural world allows us to experience the fresh air that can calm us and even allow better sleep at night.
Take a break from your phone; screen time can stimulate us, but we need to power down.

Rest in the presence of others.

“The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all that they had done and taught. He said to them, ‘Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while.’ For many people were coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat.” -Mark 6:30-31

Jesus saw human limitations when multitudes flocked for healing and to hear Him. The disciples became depleted during those times, so Jesus would pull away from the crowds, hop in a boat with His friends, and find a quieter place to be with those who were close to Him.

How can being with others benefit our rest?

Authentic fellowship encourages and strengthens.
It creates space to verbally process any worries, thoughts or insights that have packed in your mind.
You see and hear godly perspectives you may not have come up with on your own.

Jesus gives us His peace that’s more replenishing than any effort we can try and obtain on our own. In fact, we don’t even need to do anything; we just come to Him and receive. From this place of peace, we can face whatever comes at us throughout the day because we know what God has placed in us.

“’Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.’” -John 14:27

He freely gives us the gift of peace, where we find true rest from the pace of the athletic world. From our place of fullness, we have a deeper patience for the teammate who may test our resolve, and we can make our way through the mundane routine of our mid-season practices.

In stillness is our strength, and Jesus’ example is our true rest.

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question: In what areas of your life do you need rest? How can God’s purpose of rest for you be greater than what the busy culture says?

Challenge: Live out John 14:27 today in a way that shows how Jesus’ peace is better than anything the world can offer.

How to Deal With Coaching Burnout

Tue, 16 May 2023 16:36:00 GMT

Article By Mindy Hopman

FCA Staff Writer

Trade your burnout for the replenishing recovery Jesus offers.

When a person sprains his ankle or breaks her leg, it’s obvious an injury occurred due to a large amount of stress. However, when a person suffers internally, the injury is not as obvious. Sometimes small doses of stress over a period of time may become overwhelming to the point a person may begin to feel mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally exhausted. We call this “burnout,” and for coaches it can be our strongest personal opponent. Identifying the triggers of burnout is important so we can strategize how to fight against it.

I want to make clear that stress and burnout are not the same. Stress is temporary and it is used to strengthen us in certain areas where God wants us to grow. Just as resistance is used in the weight room to ultimately strengthen muscles, stress is necessary to grow us and make us stronger. However, stress over a long period of time from many directions is what leads to burnout.

As you well know, there are a lot of demands on a coach: family, finances, time, wins/losses and so much more. A coach who has a family at home may feel stress from not being with his spouse and children. A coach who has to carry the weight of other responsibilities financially such as teaching or working another job during the day may feel stress from making enough to pay the bills and from the long hours away from home. Every coach sacrifices social time, and sometimes even family time, over the holidays to travel with the team, and if a coach is having a losing season, all of the combined stress could feel completely overwhelming.

The buildup of stress, exhaustion, and dread comes from unrecovered training. Our bodies need time to recover physically from a hard workout, and mentally from an intense season. This is when God calls to us:

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take up my yoke and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

But coming to Jesus and following His pace might not come naturally, especially when the frustration of burnout brings unhappiness. How do we follow His pace? What does that even look like?

Remember, happiness is a result of what is happening around you. It is not the same as joy. Joy comes from having a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and knowing that we will go through trials in this world, but He will be with us. And as He overcame the struggles of this world, so, in Him, will we!

Let’s look a little closer at what we can do to fill our physical, emotional and spiritual buckets:

Remember JOY: Jesus, Others, You

If you have lost your joy of coaching, remember your “why.” One of my favorite football coaches often reminded his team that JOY stands for “Jesus, Others and You.” First, spend time with Jesus, finding time each day to spend in God’s Word. Your relationship with Him is priority. Even the best coaches need to spend time with the Greatest Coach, and the more we time spent together, the more our growth in God can spill into all areas of life.

Relationships with others are integral as we live out our Kingdom work, and God’s intention for us is to share in the ups and downs together, encourage one another and remind them of their identity in Christ. Because recharge time is part of how we’re created, it’s necessary to take time to do something fun! Find a hobby that lets you take your mind off the seriousness of life. Go for a hike, play a game with your kids, go fishing or find a good book to read. Whatever it is, let the Lord be a part of your play.

“Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

Recovery Time

If you are exhausted, give yourself recovery time. Coaching is both physically and mentally draining. Rest comes from getting adequate sleep, nutrition and hydration. You may need to plan your meals ahead of time, and don’t forget to hydrate. It’s easy to remind the players. It’s hard to do it for yourself.

There’s a deeper recovery time we need to schedule into our routine to make sure we are spiritually rested. True rest comes from spending time in God’s Word, going to church, praying and spending time with believers who will love, pray for and support you and your family through the hard seasons. Hydration for eternity is found in Jesus. Replenishment comes from being in His presence.

“Jesus said, ‘Everyone who drinks from this water will get thirsty again. But whoever drinks from the water that I will give him will never get thirsty again. In fact, the water I will give him will become a well of water springing up in him for eternal life.’” (John 4:13-14)

Boundaries

If you are feeling overwhelmed, set some boundaries for your players and for yourself. Setting boundaries and establishing expectations for your players from the beginning of the season helps them to know where the lines are for them to work hard to reach and for them to stay within.

Setting boundaries for yourself helps you to get home at a decent time and not take on extra responsibilities you can’t handle during the season. Boundaries set ahead of time in love bring respect not rebellion.

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:16-18)

May you let our overwhelming God overwhelm your life with His goodness, peace and favor through every season. He is gentle and lowly in heart, and He will lead you if you let Him. God comes to strengthen us and calls us to follow His pace so we may avoid all kinds of burnout and instead coach from His overflow.

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question: What demands the most attention in your life right now? Are there ways to rearrange your daily schedule to relieve any unnecessary pressure?

Challenge: Plan out as best you can a week full of recovery time and healthy boundaries to be with the Lord and what refreshes your spirit.

If you know athletes struggling with burnout, check out our article for insights on how to help your athletes experience rest in Christ.

How to Deal with Athlete Burnout

Mon, 01 May 2023 20:46:21 GMT

Article By Brett Campbell

FCA Staff Writer

Whatever you do, make sure it’s from the overflow of God’s strength and rest.

During my career as an athlete, there were many times I experienced legitimate burnout. I think back to my junior year of high school when I wanted to walk away from basketball. I was emotionally, physically and spiritually exhausted. What God gave me as a gift was the very thing that was draining me and pushing me into a place of burnout. If God gave me a passion and talent for basketball, then why was I feeling this way?

The first time hearing the phrase, “A good thing becomes a bad thing when it becomes the ultimate thing” transformed my perspective of sports. I fully believe that sports are a gift from God. He blesses athletes with incredible talent and calls us to work hard! James 1:17 says, “Every good gift and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” The opportunity to compete is a gift. Sports are a good thing! Yet, it is critical to acknowledge the potential for sports to become the ultimate thing in our lives. When this happens, the good gift from God becomes a bad thing and will lead to emotional, physical and spiritual exhaustion. You will burn out because sports are not meant to be ultimate in our lives.

Jesus is the only one deserving of holding the place of ultimate in our lives. He alone can fill our hearts, and through Him, we experience eternal life with God. I pray that every one of you knows that God loves you and desires a personal relationship with you.

If you are burnt out and wondering where you can turn, Jesus is waiting for you. God’s gift of grace is available to you through Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. When you say yes to Jesus and commit to following Him as the Lord of your life, you are declaring that He is ultimate in your life! And when Jesus is ultimate, sports can be what they are designed to be… a gift! We are called to steward the good gifts from God. Colossians 3:23 says, “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people,” God desires to redeem the world of sports for the sake of advancing His Kingdom.

We are called to work hard in a way that glorifies God. Jesus worked hard during his time on earth. Yet, he showed extreme intentionality in establishing rhythms of rest throughout His earthly ministry. In the Gospels, we see Jesus withdraw into solitary places to spend intentional time praying. We must follow His example and seek rest in the Lord and the refueling He offers.

There is a rhythm of rest that was transformative during my college career and continues today. It is called “Divert Daily. Withdraw Weekly. Abandon Annually.” I encourage you to implement this rhythm of rest in your life.

1. How will you divert your attention from the busyness and pressures of the world and spend 30 minutes to one hour of intentional time re-centering your mind on the Gospel?

2. How will you plan and execute a weekly withdraw from the world to spend time resting in the presence of God?

3. What would it look like for you to plan an annual abandoning (this could be a spiritual retreat, camp, etc.)?

It’s not about the rhythm itself. True fullness is the consistent and intentional time in God’s Word and finding rest in His presence. It is about reminding yourself to live out the truth that Christ Jesus is the only One deserving of being ultimate in your life! He alone can give the true rest we all desperately need.

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question: Do you have restful rhythms for your life? If not, what’s keeping you from them?

Challenge: Plan and implement your weekly withdrawal to spend time resting in the Lord.

If you're looking for a way to strengthen your faith and relationship with Jesus, check out FCA's resource, The CORE . The CORE will help you be engaged in God’s Word, equipped on the basics of the faith, and empowered to help others grow in Jesus Christ.

Who Are You Comparing Yourself To?

sfreymuth@fca.org (Sarah Freymuth) — Sat, 15 Apr 2023 18:50:58 GMT

A greater life is found in God through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Ever get tired trying to keep up?

With the latest craze on social media, with your peers, with the expectations of parents, coaches and fans?

It’s exhausting, and if we’re honest, it can feel like what we do is never enough.

We can get stuck on a wheel of comparison that is constantly turning but never moves in any direction. It keeps us stuck in a frantic mindset of never measuring up, and soon enough, we’re ruled by it.

And soon after that, we’re left feeling as if we’re never enough.

There is another way of living that trades in the hustle of comparison and sets us securely in a peaceful place. It’s rooted not in what we do, but Whose we are. Our worth doesn’t come from a scoreboard or record book, nor does it come from the applause or critique of others.

Want to rid yourself of the striving and dissatisfaction? Root yourself in the truth of God and who you are as His child.

Jesus came for our good, by way of the cross. God is our Creator and Father, and when He made us, He made us in His image. If we pause right there, this is enough of a pivot point for how we see ourselves.

“See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children—and we are!” -1 John 3:1

The Father has given us His goodness through the saving grace of His Son, Jesus. And not only did Jesus come to save, He enabled us to have a deep and personal relationship with our Father.

It’s easy for us to allow our lives to get wrapped up in sports, but there is much more to our existence than what takes place during competition. A greater life is found in God through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Jesus gives us:

Joyful Life

Joy is greater than happiness. It’s a state of contentment in all things, the good times and the bad, that only greater life in Christ can bring. Knowing we have eternal life with our Father enables us to go through hard times leaning on the knowledge of Who is walking with us.

“You reveal the path of life to me;

in your presence is abundant joy;

at your right hand are eternal pleasures.” -Psalm 16:11

Peaceful Life

Peace is hard to come by inside the performance trap. But God’s peace will overcome all your fears and anxieties, because that’s what a good Father does.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:7

Purposeful Life

There’s more to life than awards, achievements or material gain that comes through competition or a career. God’s purpose is life-giving and life-changing, and better than anything we could come up with on our own.

“However, I have let you live for this purpose: to show you my power and to make my name known on the whole earth.” -Exodus 9:16

Our identity as God’s children, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, allows us to operate in a different way of life than when we were scraping by and chasing after the approval of others. We could never be satisfied comparing ourselves to our teammates, other coaches or other athletes.

There is a greater peace that frees you from the internal and external pressure of competing. The comparison game is exhausting; rest in being rooted as a child of God through Christ. From there, we can compete out of the overflow of what’s already firmly established inside us.

“’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

Stop trying to be someone else when God has made you exactly as you are for good purpose. Believe this. The only approval you need is God’s, and through Christ, you already have it.

Let’s lean into the abundant life Jesus has for us and live confidently in our place as God’s children. Nothing can change or take that truth away.

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question: Who are you comparing yourself to? How is God’s view of you greater than what you or anyone else says?

Challenge : Live out John 10:10 today in a way that shows them how Jesus takes center stage in your life.

5 Ways to Handle Pressure as a Coach

Sat, 15 Apr 2023 17:35:56 GMT

Coaching is challenging, but Christ offers a way that lightens the load.

Coach, what you do is hard.

Very hard.

Your calling to coach is a tremendous opportunity. You are helping to develop athletes both on and off the arena or court. You are instilling life lessons. You even have the potential to develop lifelong relationships.

But coaching can come with a price. Coaching in today’s sporting world brings unique and heavy challenges. There are relationships to manage: other coaches, players, support staff, administration, and parents. Within each of those relationships is added pressure as well.

Running practice well is essential. What does the team need to work on? What new plays could utilize the certain players’ skills? Then comes gameday to see if it all pays off. That leads to the stress of success. How is the team doing compared to what was predicted in preseason? Will they compete in the post-season? It is challenging to deal with your own idea of success, let alone the expectations of others. Administration wants you to win; parents want their kid to play and vie for a scholarship.

If you are a coach who recruits players to join your program, logistics like expenses and time are consuming. Then you need to make an ongoing case for that player to commit. It’s exhausting!

If you are in Christ, however, the most powerful person is already on your team. He is the One who gives us strength to do what He’s called us to and the grace to forgive us when we drop the ball. He’s the One who already knows the outcome and the best strategies to make the best impact for the good of your team and glory of God.

“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33)

How can you take heart in the middle of all your coaching demands? Here are five things that can help you handle the pressure:

Remember John 16:33

Jesus says three important things in this verse. First, He acknowledges that struggles will come, but He says to have courage. Don’t let the anxiety of dealing with struggles wear you out; He gives peace to those who trust in Him. As you give Him the strains of recruiting and that rough meeting with the athletic director, rest in His assurance that He has it all in control. Peace is available because your Savior has overcome the world.

Read Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness.” Scripture teaches us where we have missed the mark, how to correct it, and how to pursue righteousness. God’s Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path (Psalm 119:105) and gives us wisdom in handling difficult situations. Often, when the season gets busy, Bible reading can be the first thing to go to make room for all that needs to get done. Don’t fall into that trap; it only leads you away from Him.

Pray

We can take what we read in our Bibles and apply it to our conversations with God. We can remind ourselves that He is God (Psalm 46:10), and that we will soar on wings like eagles if we trust in Him (Isaiah 40:31). We can ask Him for those new mercies each morning that He promises us (Lamentations 3:22-23). Remember that Jesus, the Son of God Himself, was a praying man. If He made time and effort to talk with His Father, how much more will this help us prep for whatever comes our way?

Seek Community

Ecclesiastes 4:12b says, “A cord of three strands is not easily broken.” Finding people who understand your struggles and who you can confide in may help make them easier to manage. Other coaches know the coaching lifestyle and can help you carry those heavy loads (Galatians 6:2). If you don’t know of any coaches in your area, seek out a pastor or your local FCA staff to help you connect.

Keep Perspective

Coaching is an investment in others. You may be coaching people who will be doctors, police officers or parents in the future. There are lessons to be learned through sports that are applicable for life. While this idea might not make the burden lighter, it will make the burden worth it.

“For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2b)

Was dying on the cross easy? No. But Jesus did it because, to Him, the joy of redeeming us was worth the pain. He knew what was in store on the other side of the cross and made it His ambition to endure and give us a way to be with God forever.

Coach, what you do is hard.

Very hard.

But what you do is important. Protect your time with God in prayer and study. Find others with whom you can share burdens. Rest in His peace. Remember, He has overcome the world! Bring Him into your coaching, late nights and early mornings, the highs and lows of wins and losses, and all your relationships. He promises to ease the burden and give you a new way of living and coaching with Him.

Coaching is hard. But with Christ, it’s worth it.

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question: What are your three biggest pressure points as a coach? How can you take the five points above and integrate them into these struggles?

Challenge: Prioritize spending time in God’s Word and handing Him your burdens each day.

5 Ways to Handle Pressure as an Athlete

Sat, 01 Apr 2023 12:30:00 GMT

Article By Sarah Roberts

Staff Writer

It’s time to clean house in our hearts and commit to the ways of Jesus.

“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.” (John 14:1)

We are athletes, but we may differ in how we utilize our abilities. Some of us may play on a team while others compete as individuals. We may have different gifts and talents that include size, strength and speed. And although we may not connect within the same sport, there is something that still connects us within the participation of our different sports: The pressure to perform. This pressure doesn’t discriminate based on gender, race or sport. No matter who you are or where you are from, we can all relate to thoughts of anxiousness, feelings of self-doubt and overwhelming fear of failure that are all rooted in our pressure to prove ourselves: To our parents, our coaches, our peers, and yes, maybe even God.

How can we handle this pressure? How will God respond to ease the struggle?

As we read God’s Word, there are plenty of men and women who understand this pressure and stress, including King Josiah. Josiah was handed the keys to the kingdom of Israel at just 8 years old, and for 31 years, he led God’s people. I can only imagine the pressure of leading an entire nation, yet he did it well.

As we read in 2 Kings 22, during Josiah’s reign, his priest found God’s Word and read it aloud. As a sign of despair and grieving with the realization they had not been following God, King Josiah tore his clothes. There wasn’t just the pressure of leading God’s people, but now he wanted to do it but to do it God’s way. What was his game plan, and how can we apply King Josiah’s wisdom to our own lives?

Read God’s Word to the People with His People

“Then the king went to the Lord’s temple with all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, as well as the priests and the prophets—all the people from the youngest to the oldest. He read in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant that had been found in the LORD’s temple.” (2 Kings 23:2)

Like every track athlete knows, you can’t run the race if you aren’t at the starting line. Josiah knew the starting line was to gather his people and get into God’s Word. This is our starting line too. We were never created to do life alone but join with the support of other believers and the guidance of God’s Word. If you are feeling overwhelmed, start with gathering your teammates and getting into the Bible.

When we pray for one another and point each other to truths in the Bible, we can’t help but feel pressure release because someone else is helping carry our burdens.

Make the Commitment

“Next, the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant in the LORD’s presence to follow the Lord and to keep his commands, his decrees, and his statutes with all his heart and with all his soul.” (2 Kings 23:3)

When an athlete signs to play their sport at the next level, often we see their picture on social media with the words, “Committed.” They are announcing to the world, “I am committed to play at this university. I am committed to follow this program’s rules. I am committed to listen to this coach.”

This is Josiah signing his name on the dotted line to show all God’s people he was following God with all his heart and soul, dedicating to obey God’s Word and imploring his people to do the same. We each must decide similarly, saying, “I am committed to the Lord and His ways, when things are good and when they are not, when I am winning and when I am not, when I am feeling the pressure and when I am not.” We don’t have to please everyone; we just have to honor ONE.

Remove What Needs to Go

“Then the king commanded the high priest, Hilkiah and the priests of the second rank and the doorkeepers to bring out of the LORD’s sanctuary all the articles made for Baal, Asherah, and all the stars in the sky.” (2 Kings 23:4)

There were things made for other gods that were brought into God’s house and the king had them removed. Like Josiah, there are times we just need to “clean house.” What have we brought into our minds, hearts and bodies that do not honor God and adds pressure to our lives? Are we watching shows on Netflix that lead our minds to dark places? Are we listening to songs that make us more anxious? Are we spending hour after hour scrolling on social media comparing ourselves to others? It’s time to remove the things that lead us further from the Lord and ask Him to help remove it if it is something we have a tough time letting go.

Remove Who Needs to Go

“Then he did away with the idolatrous priests the kings of Judah had appointed to burn incense at the high places in the cities of Judah and in the areas surrounding Jerusalem.” (2 Kings 23:5)

Josiah didn’t just remove things, but people. There are times that God wants us to remove a toxic relationship or friendship that has not been leading us towards Jesus or been encouraging. Then there are those people who can’t be removed from our lives, but we can remove what space we let them have in our minds. We don’t have to believe it when a coach says we are “worthless.” We don’t have keep hold of those words from a loved one who says that we don’t matter. We can remove what they say and replace them with what God says. He says we are beloved (John 3:16), chosen (Jeremiah 1:5), redeemed (Ephesians 1:7), among so much more.

Celebrate and Rest

“The king commanded all the people, ‘Observe the Passover of the LORD your God as written in the book of the covenant.’”

(2 Kings 23:21)

King Josiah reminds us that we must take time to celebrate who God is and what He has done. When we don’t take time to celebrate and rest, we feel the pressure to control our time and days. But we can trust in the One True God who is in control. God understands the pressures of this world, which is why He created a day of celebration and rest just for us called the Sabbath. TAKE IT. Go to church to celebrate who God is. Take a nap. Do something fun with your friends. The pressure to do is relieved when we celebrate, rest and just be.

Did Josiah’s game plan work? Yes!

“Before him there was no king like him who turned to the LORD with all his heart and with all his strength according to all the law of Moses, and no one like him arose after him.” (2 Kings 23:25)

The pressures we are under are often rooted in the need to prove ourselves, but God clearly marks out a better way to relieve the pressure and life in His strength. We don’t have to live to prove ourselves to the world; we just have to be living proof of a risen God.

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question: What are your three biggest pressure points as an athlete? How can you take the points above and integrate them into these struggles?

Challenge: Prioritize spending time in God’s Word and handing Him your burdens each day

Greater Gift

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 21:35:16 GMT

Grace is the greater gift Jesus gives.

We hear about gifted athletes, those with an extra dose of talent, drive or charisma. Their greatness is apparent in the way they play, often head and shoulders above the rest, going down as all-stars in the history of their sport.

If there’s a ping of jealousy, that’s normal. We all want to be extraordinarily gifted.

But, we must remember that we all may have been given different abilities, but God has gifted us individually. And, He offers us an even greater gift that goes with us in every aspect of our lives.

In John 3, we learn about this gift as Jesus shares with a man in search of something greater.

Nicodemus was a man gifted with intelligence, opportunity, wealth and status. A Pharisee high up in the religious ranks, he led many men in the ways of the Law of Moses. Proud of his pedigree and devout to God, he held to the long-lasting beliefs of his fathers.

When word that a young teacher, Jesus of Nazareth, was speaking all sorts of new thoughts of God and claiming to be God, his curiosity piqued. Something about this man sparked a longing in Nicodemus, and he had to know more.

One evening, he met with Jesus, quietly and privately, away from the prying eyes of his peers.

They begin to talk about being born again to see the Kingdom of God. “What does this mean?” Nicodemus wondered.

Jesus launched into predicting how the Son of Man must be lifted up to give eternal life, connecting Old Testament pictures of Moses with the Messiah.

“’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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.’” -John 3:16-17

In a world of works and rule keeping, this upside-down concept of a loving God gifting grace through a Savior seemed remarkable.

No rules, no performing? It’s not what we can offer, but what God is giving?

This is the crux on which the whole of humanity hinges.

The greater gift, the greatest gift, is God giving us eternal life with Him through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Have you been relying on your own performance and the demands to keep up? Are they weighing you down?

It happens to all of us—we work and push ourselves to be the best we can be, thinking it will earn approval and acceptance. But in God, we are already accepted. We simply need to accept His love through the gift of Jesus.

It’s grace, plain and simple. The best gift of all.

“But when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us—not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy—through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. He poured out His Spirit on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior so that, having been justified by his grace, we may become heirs with the hope of eternal life.” -Titus 3:4-7

It’s nothing we do—no stat, scoreboard or success can earn us acceptance with God; it’s all given through Christ in an act of love and mercy. This gift alters our striving and lets us rest on the enduring love of God.

Nicodemus left his conversation with Jesus changed. We, too, can transform our lives into something wonderful when we receive the gift of Jesus.

Yes, your talents and skills are good. But God has given them to you to use them to share His love with your teammates, coaches, campus and community.

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question: Where are you in need of Jesus’ transforming love and mercy? How can you see His care being greater than what anyone else can offer?

Challenge: Live out John 3:16 today in a way that shows how Jesus is the greatest gift we need.

Finding Your Worth in Christ

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 16:03:29 GMT

Article By Shanta Crichlow

Staff Writer

It’s not about your performance, but who you are in God’s eyes.

Years after competing in track and field at the collegiate level, I found myself in a state of wondering. Life made a lot more sense while running track and going to school. The actions of training, working hard, discipline, proper rest and care yielded the direct results of improved performance. The process of patience and waiting had obvious mile-markers in the form of competition seasons, semesters and stats. You always knew where you were and how far you had left to go. Even my relationship with Jesus Christ, at that time, was a means to an athletic end with actions and anticipated results. Quiet times, reading the Bible and devotions were part of my athletic process of doing what it took to get the results I desired.

All of that changed when it was time to lay down my spikes and engage a new life journey: Adulting. The path to success was no longer straight after sports and school. As a matter of fact, the very concept of success became less and less clear.

I started developing a more appropriate perspective of true success through Scripture like Matthew 7:24-25:

“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock.”

I learned that the prizes of life are not my athletic accomplishments, my post-athletics career or the other temporary things I greatly valued. The greatest prize is and will always be God Himself.

David got that. The shepherd-turned-king of Israel wrote in the Psalms:

“LORD, you are my portion

and my cup of blessing;

you hold my future.

The boundary lines have fallen for me

in pleasant places;

indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” (Psalm 16:5-6)

That changed everything for me.

For the first time, I clearly saw how shortsighted and out of order my pursuits were. Now, I see that any of my pursuits into which I choose to invite God is a journey into relationship with Him.

God makes a bold declaration to the people of Israel in Exodus 9:16:

“However, I have let you live for this purpose: to show you my power and to make my name known on the whole earth.”

Perhaps you have in mind how God could fulfill this through your coaching or playing and your idea is likely tied to performance. I used to think that if I got the wins and accolades then I could give God a shoutout. If I am successful in my career, have material gains and am living the dream, I can accredit it to God and to Him be the glory. But what happens when you have a tough season, when you’re not the best athlete in the league or on your team, or when your time in athletics (as with everything) comes to an end? Who are you beyond the arena of play?

There are more ways to honor Christ with your life. God’s purpose is life-giving and life changing. The life God has given us in Christ can be full, abundant and satisfying, if we let it. We can use this life to elevate God simply by how we compete, live and treat each other every day (not just with outcomes in mind).

When we work at whatever we from the heart as for the Lord and not people (Colossians 3:23), and when we look to the interest of others not only our own (Philippians 2:4), what glory might you bring when you play for the Prize that is greater than the trophies and titles?

You don’t get to glorify God in just one thing or one area but in everything you do, great or small. That’s exciting. The great gift from God is salvation in Jesus and His promises of eternity, greater joy and peace. The greatest gift we have is God Himself, and your worth comes from who you are in Him.

You are so much more than statistics. You are a gift from God, to glorify Him everywhere you go. Rest in this performance-free relationship. He’s got you right where you’re meant to be.

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question: For who or what have you been competing? How does knowing you are God’s beloved son or daughter change your approach to competing?

Challenge: Determine how you will give God glory in the wins and losses of your day and be prepared to live for Him.

If you're not yet in a relationship with Jesus and want to learn more about what it means to follow Him, check out FCA's resource The FOUR. Ready to go deeper in your walk with Christ? Check out the resources available to help you grow more as a follower of Jesus.

Know Who You Are

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 20:11:16 GMT

4 aspects of your identity that are rooted in God's truth.

You’re known for your athletic prowess, your intellectual IQ, the way you can memorize the playbook. Fans know your name, and your team is the one to watch come playoffs.

You’re enveloped in your skills, your position, your team’s record. Your identity is fixed on what you can do and how you perform.

But when the field lights go dark at the end of the day and the jersey comes off, there’s a disconnect that nags in the back of your head.

If everything you’ve worked so hard for, everything you’ve poured hours and effort into, was stripped away and taken from you, where would that leave you?

Another question flashes brighter than the last: Who are you? If it’s not about what you do, and instead about who you are, do you know the answer?

Who we are says more about our lives than what we could ever accomplish, so it’s important to know in your deepest self who that is.

And, according to God, who He says you are is far more solidifying than anything coaches, press clippings and fans could ever label you.

The greater gift, the greatest gift, is God giving us eternal life with Him through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Jesus, the spotless One, stamped us into God’s family, where we can fully embrace who we are because of Him.

You are:

God’s beloved child.

The God of the universe is also your Father. He made you and thought up everything that would make you, you. And He is constantly longing for closer relationship with you, His child.

“See what great love the Father has given us that we should be called God’s children—and we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it didn’t know Him.” -1 John 3:1

Saved by grace.

There is nothing you can do to earn God’s love or your salvation. This is difficult as competitors, because we’re so trained to perform. But salvation is a gift to you though believing in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

“For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast.”

-Ephesians 2:8-9

Free in Christ.

Once you surrender your life to the Lordship of Jesus, He gives you an incredible freedom that enables you to live confidently in the life He has for you. Nothing from your past can hold you back; you are free to look forward to each day with anticipation of seeing God move and lead you closer to Him.

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

A new creation.

God is continually making you new. Each day, His mercies propel you forward. You are being transformed into the likeness of Jesus in small yet substantial ways. Who you were can’t hold you down, and in Christ, your new identity in Him is what stands the test of time.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come!” -2 Corinthians 5:17

Can you rest assured in your status as beloved son or daughter of God Most High? You are saved by God’s grace in giving up His Son to take on your sin. Thanks to Christ and His finished work on the cross, you are free from any past life or guilt, and you can live as a new creation. You are His light in a world that needs to know about Him.

It’s not about what you can do, but who you already are in Him. Believe this. Live from this truth today.

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question : Who are you? Is your identity in your performance or your personhood in Christ?

Challenge: Go through the four identity truths above and choose one of the Scriptures to memorize and repeat when you need to be reminded of it

Unlocking Your Potential as an Athlete

Mon, 06 Feb 2023 21:14:12 GMT

Article By Sarah Bostic

Staff Writer

Give God access to all of you and watch Him work out your greatest strengths

Every good athlete wants to become better. It’s almost as if it is ingrained in them and what sets them apart: A good athlete wants to be the absolute best version of themselves on and off the field.

Because we are all created in God’s image (Gen. 1:27), we each have the potential for greatness hidden within us. The question is, will we seek God to unlock that potential?

Think of it this way: Our potential is a protected lock and key box with a God-shaped hole. His key is the only one that can fully unlock it and release what He has stored for us. He created that lock and key box when He knitted you together in your mother’s womb. (Psalm 139:13). Each gift that He wanted you to have, He placed in that box. Sometimes we try to unlock the box ourselves or force a foreign key into the slot, but nothing opens. God is the only One who can open this for us. John 16:13 says the Spirit of Truth guides us into all the truth. This is where we have the chance to trust Him in His guidance.

What would happen if we chose to allow God to turn the key in His timing? What would happen if we stopped trying to force things to happen on our own and instead just trust?

The greatest success any person on this earth can experience is the success that comes from obeying God.

Let’s equate this with a few examples from basketball:

Points

When God calls out to you, do you listen or reject Him? Listening and obeying Him produces the feeling you get when you sink a shot. It’s hard getting the basketball up and down the court. You’ve got defenders everywhere; other players are constantly trying to steal the ball from you or block your way. Yet you work through it to take the open shot. We can weave our way through the distractions of the day to make sure we are in a good position to listen for the Lord and respond to what He is saying.

“For this is what love for God is: to keep His commands. And His commands are not a burden, because everyone who has been born of God conquers the world. This is the victory that has conquered the world: our faith.” -1 John 5:3-4

Rebounds

What do you do when life gets sideways or you make a mistake? Do you stand there and get stuck in it? Do you sin again? Or do you confess and repent? Staying stuck in your mistakes would be the equivalence of missing a shot on the court and just standing there while the game continues around you. How wasteful would that be?

Through Jesus, God invites us to turn to His love and grace, while confessing our miss and making a decision to move forward with Him.

“For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, then how much more, having been reconciled, will we be saved by His life. And not only that, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received this reconciliation.” -Romans 5:10-11

Assists

How do you treat those around you? Your families, friend circles, other athletes on your teams, your peers? Are you selfless enough to assist them in their time of need or are you playing a selfish game?

We are better when we are better together. God gives us people to surround and support with His love, truth and encouragement. The more we can build one another up, the stronger our faith becomes and enables us to seek the Kingdom of God with willing and open hearts and help others along the way.

“For you were called to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but serve one another through love.” (Galatians 5:13)

If you want to unlock your potential as the athlete God has made you to be, let Him in. Give Him access to your mind, body and spirit, and allow Him to shape you into being more like Jesus. When we let God turn the key, our greatest potential in Him comes out in incredible ways.

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’”

-John 3:30

Looking to go deeper in God's Word and strengthen your faith? Check out FCA's resource, The CORE to learn about 8 essentials to strengthen your faith.

What Defines You as a Competitor?

Mon, 23 Jan 2023 21:43:45 GMT

It’s not about what you do, but who you are.

We chase after glory, meaning, lasting impact. A chance to write ourselves into the record books.

Our quest as competitors is to reach the pinnacle of performance and see our name, our team, land on top.

We spend vast amounts of time searching for what will make us great, disciplining our bodies to look and act in the best possible ways when we compete, and studying playbooks and film long into the night to ensure we leave no angle uncovered in preparation for the game.

There’s a chasing that doesn’t seem to end, a thirst that cannot be quenched. But this will leads to a deeper chase, an increased pace and the flash of fame that fizzles within the hour. It’s an endless chase that we just can’t get right, because we’ve set our sights on something that can’t hold up against the pressure.

Where have you been putting your worth? In what the crowds and paper clippings say? In what your coach thinks? In the athletic director’s make-or-break demands for your program?

What defines you as a competitor? Is it your ability to run? Your strength? Your strategy?

We easily wrap ourselves in the world’s definitions of success and lose sight of what’s truly important.

“For if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Let each person examine his own work, and then he can take pride in himself alone, and not compare himself with someone else. For each person will have to carry his own load.”

-Galatians 6:3-5

At the end of the day, after another relentless stretch of meetings, practice and pressure, we’re worn out and looking for a better way.

The good news is that there is a better way. It’s not the ring. It’s not statistics. It’s not status.

It’s not about what you do, but who you are.

God says we are as His sons and daughters. Accepting the gift of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, takes the pressure of performance off our shoulders and gives us our belonging in God’s family.

“He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One.” -Ephesians 1:5-6

Jesus offers us a break from the bustle of keeping up, the surge for more that never quenches.

In Jesus’ day, the religious leaders (the Pharisees) were quick to speak, pray and appear holy for the sake of other’s admiration and respect. They looked to the Law and honored it as a works-based faith, often adding their own rules, making it nearly impossible to keep up to the standards they set.

When the Pharisees began to come after Jesus for not properly adhering to the Sabbath regulations found in the Law, Jesus cut to the core of the issue: their hearts. The Pharisees wanted to chase after religion and rules so they felt better about themselves; they did not humble hearts chasing after God. This was most evident when they refused to see the truth when Jesus revealed He was the Son of God.

Jesus had some harsh words to say to them because they were missing the entire point of their being. Jesus fully identified with God, and since the Jewish leaders refused to acknowledge Jesus’ origins, they were missing out on their own identities. We can fall into the same trap when we find our identity in anything other than being a part of God’s family.

Jesus gives life. In Him we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28), and our role is simply to respond to God’s love and life through Christ.

When we look to the approval of others and misplace our identity in what we do rather than who we are, we can begin to misplace our values. God’s acceptance is all we need, and when we accept His Son Jesus and believe God’s love for us is greater than any worldly accolade we desire, it changes everything. Our mindsets switch, and we move from desiring an inward glory of self to an outward glory of God.

“I do not accept glory from people, but I know you—that you have no love for God within you. I have come in my Father’s name, and yet you don’t accept me. If someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe, since you accept glory from one another but don’t seek the glory that comes from the only God?” -John 5:41-44

Sure, it’s good to chase after better, faster, stronger in your sport. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that. But when it overtakes your identity and you forget to rest in who you are as God’s child, that’s when things get tangled.

So, let’s clear it up.

What truly defines you as a competitor:

You are a beloved child of God. (1 John 3:1)
God’s approval is all you need. (1 Thessalonians 2:4)
God has given you athletic talent to bring Him glory (Colossians 3:23)

God is the One who draws out the greater potential in you. He isn’t concerned by your stats, but looks at and celebrates the condition of your heart.

LIVE IT OUT:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Question: What has defined you as a competitor and as a person? Does knowing how God sees you change your definition?

Challenge: Ask someone what defines them and share the truth of how God gives us a lasting identity.

If you read this article and aren’t in relationship with Jesus Christ, but would like to know more, we invite you to go through FCA’s resource, The FOUR that explains what it means to put your faith in Jesus.

A Greater Way to Shape Your Identity

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 16:28:33 GMT

Article By Sasha Dieniukova

Staff Writer

In today’s world of double standards, it is crucial to have a source we can come back to when we are confused or overwhelmed with the voices all around us. Sports is a common place for coaches and athletes to hear many opinions about who they should become and what they should do. People have opinions about everything coaches and athletes do: How they lead, how they play, how they spend their time and money, what they do in the off-season. But, the only opinion that matters is Jesus’ opinion. That’s what it means to put your identity in Christ.

“Jesus answered, “’I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’” -John 14:6

Jesus’ life example of unity with His Father was built on a foundation of being certain that His identity as God’s Son was immovable. This helped him face challenging circumstances with wisdom and faith.

A GREATER WAY

The Lord offers us a solid source and solutions we would not think of ourselves. The thing that always amazes me are the “keys” He uses to open certain doors in my life. Sometimes, I find I am trying the wrong key or even jimmying the lock, stubbornly trying to break the door down. But once I finally humble myself and agree to utilize the keys in His hands, He shows me which key will unlock a new understanding of who I am in Him.

The keys of the world look like things of the flesh: Jealousy, revenge, greed, unbelief. But the keys in God’s hands are the fruit of the spirit, and they bring things like love, joy and peace.

LESSONS FROM JOSEPH

Remember the story of Joseph in Genesis, the one whose brothers sold him into Egyptian slavery? Years after they sold him, they became vulnerable from a famine and dependent on Joseph’s decisions. Joseph had been put in charge by the all-powerful Pharoah. But, He was still faithful to God.

Although Joseph knew where He came from, imagine his fight with his feelings when he saw those who betrayed him – his flesh and blood, his own siblings! What thoughts do you think might have run through his head? Revenge would have been natural. He was in a high position, and he could have turned his back on them since they turned their backs on him. The Egyptians were repulsed by shepherds, which is what his brothers did for a living. Egypt wasn’t exactly looking out for the children of Israel. It would have been easy for Joseph to identify with what Egypt said about His ancestors rather than God and use the wrong “keys” to get even.

But, Joseph knew his true identity in God.

“And he (Joseph) put them all in custody for three days.

On the third day, Joseph said to them, “Do this and you will live, for I fear God…” -Genesis 42:17-18

Joseph let his brothers go back home, he gave them provision for their trip and he asked them to return to Egypt with their families for more blessings. This ended up saving the family, which was how God showed Himself faithful to them. Joseph used God’s “keys” in the situation.

We know how the story ends now, and we know that this action by Joseph helped his father’s family survive. But I wonder how many tears Joseph cried during the three days he’d imprisoned his brothers and how passioned his dialogues were with the Lord. Was it a severe battle for compassion and justice within him until he was concurred to accept God’s perspective? Or did it come easy? This type of forgiveness comes only from a strong walk with God.

Even when our identity is in Christ, relationships can be difficult.

Throughout my childhood, my relationship with my grandmother was one of my biggest challenges. My parents divorced soon after I was born. I loved both of them, and I wanted to stay with both my mom and dad, so I traveled from home to home. Because of this, my granny called me “a lodger,” which hurt me. Like Joseph, there were times I put her in custody in my heart. I didn’t feel I could trust her. I didn’t want to have anything in common or share in any moments together.

But, I was a follower of Christ, and in my 20s, the Lord started explaining to me what forgiveness means. This was the beginning of my path to restore the brokenness I had in my life and with my grandma. Putting my identity in Christ led me to see a better way: I saw her how Jesus saw her. I had to make a similar decision as Joseph and put the hurt from my loved one behind me.

One night, we went to a movie, just a small ladies night together. During that night, I knew I had forgiven her in my heart, and her happiness showed that she was experiencing this change. I could only do it because my identity was in Christ, and I knew I was His child and my role was to represent Him in all circumstances.

GOD'S WAY

Sports, culture and other people will offer opinions of who we should be and what we should do. Our own sense of justice and truth can also try to guide us, but this too can all lead us astray. Putting our identity in Jesus means we become synchronized with God’s way, God’s Word and what God is leading us to do through it.

Greater Potential

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 18:34:38 GMT

We hear about it all the time: the untapped potential living inside of us. The ways we can unlock it and live out our best life. It’s what we work hard to achieve and where we spend much of our time scouring articles, Instagram and ESPN for answers.

We want to reach our ultimate purpose and potential but finding our identity in sports leaves us unfulfilled and always chasing after whatever desire we hope will satisfy. We’re looking in the wrong places and need to readjust to a greater potential with God.

Untapped Potential

Maybe you tried out for Varsity and made JV instead. Or maybe you’re struggling to improve your speed, your strength or your stats. You give it your all, and it never seems good enough.

As an athlete, it’s natural to feel like you have more potential than what is showing up in practice or in the heat of competition. And when you don’t feel like you’re living up to expectations, the pressure starts to build.

Expectations can come from coaches, parents, school boards and booster clubs, even, and sometimes especially, from ourselves.

The world’s take on potential says you have greater glory waiting to be uncovered, and to be used in greater ways. It’s for your personal fulfillment, to be the best and live for what benefits you.

Not achieving goals might make you feel like a failure, but God says differently. There is greater potential in your life than finding your identity in sports.

Living up to your potential is more than what you can do on your own. There’s more to life than playing to make the “big game”. In fact, your potential shouldn’t just be measured by athletic achievements. It should be measured by who God says you are.

What does God say about the potential He sees in you, the potential that He gave us through Jesus.

The world looks at potential differently than how God sees it. God sees our potential through the lens of His Son Jesus, who game to give us a new way of living and to light up the shadowed places we’ve gotten stuck in.

“Jesus spoke to them again: ‘I am the light of the world. Anyone who follows Me will never walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.’” -John 8:12

True Light

The Gospel of John shares the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. His cousin, a fiery preacher known as John the Baptist, prepared the people for Jesus’ arrival. John did great things, and even the people thought he was great, but John knew someone was coming Who was greater.

As John preached about the coming of Jesus, many religious leaders were anxious about this greater One. They were comfortable living under a system that emphasized the pressure to perform. If you were good at your job, then you were a good person. But Jesus had a better way. His way? Bringing light to a dark world:

“The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was created through Him, and yet the world did not recognize Him.” -John 1:9–10

Therein lies the problem: “the world did not recognize him.” Similarly, we often don’t reach our full potential because we don’t recognize that He is the true source of our potential.

There is more to sports than just winning. It’s an easy trap to fall into, but it’s life-changing when you begin to recognize your full potential through Christ. John the Baptist realized his when he led the way announcing the coming of the Lamb of God. He knew his role, and the role of Jesus.

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Look to the “Greater Potential” of Jesus to find:

Greater Way. There’s a better way to reach your fullest potential. And it’s the ONLY path that will truly get you there.

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’” —John 14:6

Greater Truth. It’s not just a greater truth. It’s THE Truth. When you embrace the truth of Jesus, you experience freedom from the pressure to perform and see the purpose behind the gifts that God has given you.

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

Greater Life. This is what Jesus offers you through a relationship with Him. More joy, peace and purpose through a life focused on Jesus.

“’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

Remember: There is greater potential in your life than finding your identity in sports.

John the Baptist understood what it meant to live your greater potential in Jesus. It’s not what you do, but you who are. Worried about making the team? In Christ, you are already chosen, and He will place you where you need to be. Tangled up in trying to impress your teammates? Jesus is the One who has given you your talent, and it’s good to let Him lead through you. Seek to serve your teammates instead.

There is a greater purpose wrapped up in your potential when your potential is wrapped up in Him!

Greater Promise

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 17:31:08 GMT

You’re seeing glimpses of what you can be as an athlete and it’s exciting to experience competitive growth. But is it just about improving, achieving and winning? If so, that feeling of excitement might not last for long.

The world promises fame, success and status, but it’s a mirage that leaves us empty and hollow when the lights of the world’s success have faded and we are left in a hard season of struggle. Sure, it’s exciting when the spotlight’s on us and the roar of the crowd is amping up before the big game. But what about long after the stadium is empty, and the lights are turned off? Those fans who chanted our name won’t remember us once our season has passed, and those same voices lifting you up when success was yours will cease to speak when you need words to lift you up.

It’s easy to get wrapped up in your sport but doing so can leave you empty. More than anything you can find through athletic success, God wants to give you the greater promise that comes from Jesus.

IN THE LIGHT

As Jesus began His ministry, many religious leaders were anxious about his arrival. Most of them didn’t like the idea that someone else was greater than them. Except for a few.

Nicodemus’ identity was wrapped up in his job and in his status. Nicodemus felt the pressure to perform, but what he really need was the Truth. Until that point, Nicodemus knew all about God but didn’t truly know Him. Fixating on the rules of his religion prevented him from having a relationship. But Jesus showed Nicodemus the light of Truth and revealed a greater promise of eternal life.

“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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Anyone who believes in him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.” - John 3:16–18

Nicodemus came to Jesus in the cover of darkness, but spiritually, he was about to step into the light thanks to these powerful words:

“This is the judgment: The light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light and avoids it, so that his deeds may not be exposed. But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God.” -John 3:19–21

That night, Nicodemus stepped into the light of God’s promise. After meeting Jesus, he was no longer wrapped up in what he could do, but instead was compelled to see what God could do through him and for God’s glory.

Are we willing to step out of the world’s spotlight and into the light of God’s promise?

This is the greater promise, that God loves us so much that He sent Jesus to become human like us. Jesus lived the perfect life we couldn’t, and He showed us the way to the Father (Acts 4:12). Obedient and humble, His focus remained on the eternal Kingdom brought to earth, and took the sins of the world upon Himself as He hung on the cross. Then God brought Him back in defeat of death so we are no longer separated from God but can be with Him forever. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus made a way to the love of God and brought us into freedom, light, and eternal life (John 3:16).

Here are three amazing things that Jesus’s Greater Promise will bring:

Greater Love. You’ll do anything to keep playing the sport you love. There’s so much enjoyment and benefit you can gain through athletic competition. But through Jesus, there’s something even better—a sacrificial love that will last forever! Out of this love we can be confident that we have the approval of God, no matter how we do on the court or field. This frees us up to play for the love of it, not to be worried about our performance but to enjoy the pureness of the game.

“As the Father has loved me, I have also loved you. Remain in my love.” -John 15:9

Greater Gift. Your athletic ability is a gift, but it can only bring you so much happiness before it’s gone. Thankfully, God has a greater gift that will last forever! In Jesus, we are reminded of what He has given us—eternal life as well as life in full here on earth. This should fill us with joy, and everything we say or do comes from an overflow of this gift. God’s gifted you with your athletic talent; how you use it is your gift back to God.

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” -John 3:17

Greater Identity. Competition takes on a whole new meaning when you find your identity in Christ and not others’ expectations or what the world says. It gets good when you begin to experience the fullness of being part of God’s family and the plans He has for your life.

“But to all who did receive him, he gave them the right to be[a] children of God, to those who believe in his name.” -John 1:12

Remember: Christ’s promise of salvation gives me a new identity.

Yes, our identity can quickly wrap up in the attention of others, but our true identity we joyfully wear is the death and resurrection of Jesus. We may get tangled in the things of this world that quickly fade, but the great news is that God created you for something more and we can live in and play from that promise!

Our goal is to always come back to this:

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Want to know more? Visit FCA’s resource The FOUR to take a closer look at God’s great promise to you through Christ.

Greater Performance

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 19:06:08 GMT

Performance counts. It isn’t a bad thing, but an unhealthy point of view as a competitor can produce bad habits, wrong motivations and unnecessary pressures. The good news is that your identity in Christ gives you a new way to perform.

When you have found your new identity in Christ, it will help you unlock your full potential and lead to a greater performance for His glory. You are now playing for Someone, not something.

If we feel it’s up to us to win a game, carry our team or live up to the social hype or media pressure, the foundation of our identity begins to crack. It’s an impossible standard to live up to and creates a false sense of success that makes our performance impossible to keep up. Understanding that God is the only person they truly need to please can certainly bring peace, joy and freedom from fear. How do we play like this?

LOSING TO WIN

When your identity is in Christ, you are no longer performing for yourself, your coach, your family or your friends. The only true voice we need to listen to is God’s. He says we are secure as His son or daughter, and we can be confident in this. He has already said we are enough through Christ, and no one can change that. Not a coach, a teammate, the newspaper or anything else. Once you only compete for Him, others can see Christ working through you as an athlete.

That’s why it’s so important to stay connected to “the vine” and remain in Christ (John 15:5). But that also means you must sacrifice your wants and plans and commit your life to Jesus. It may not always make sense, but for the athlete, it’s like losing to win.

“’The one who loves his life will lose it, and the one who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.’” -John 12:25

Giving your life to Christ and staying connected to Him might mean giving up some things that are holding you back or keeping you from experiencing the fullness of a life-changing relationship with God. But what you will receive in return is so much greater than anything the world can offer. You will have the power of Christ inside of you and be able to reach your fullest potential to perform for His glory.

You give up to gain something greater.

STAY CONNECTED

Jesus shares intimate details with His disciples on how to remain intimately connected with Him for both relationship and ministry. Where He is, His disciples should also desire to be, leaning closer and digging deeper to understand the heart of the Father through connection with the Son.

“’I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.’” -John 15:5

When we surrender and stay connected to the Vine, Jesus enables us with:

Greater Fuel. As an athlete, you might be looking for nutritional and healthy ways to unlock your full potential. But with God, there is a greater fuel that will empower your body, mind and spirit!

“’I am the bread of life,’ Jesus told them. ‘No one who comes to Me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in Me will ever be thirsty again.’” -John 6:35

Greater Freedom. Everybody has expectations for yourself as an athlete—including you! It can be especially easy to feel trapped by the world’s expectations for your life. But trusting God’s plan and embracing your identity in Christ will allow you to stay untangled and free to do your best no matter what.

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

Greater Fruit. It’s hard to avoid the performance trap when everyone is consumed with wins, individual stats and public image. But when you are striving to follow Jesus, He wants to produce a different kind of fruit (outcome or result) that will last forever.

“My Father is glorified by this: that you produce much fruit and prove to be My disciples.” —John 15:8

Remember: Your new identity in Christ gives you a new way to perform. We don’t have to make a show to be seen; our new way to play is reminding others who it’s about.

“’He must increase, but I must decrease.’” -John 3:30

Our greater performance is based not on what we can do ourselves, but of full surrender in faith to the One who enables and enacts to use our status as His son or daughter in our lives and the way we compete.

NEXT STEPS...

Strengthen your faith with FCA’s resource The CORE and learn how to engage with God’s Word, equipped on the basics of the faith and be empowered to help others grow in their faith.

Greater Purpose

Sat, 10 Dec 2022 19:24:08 GMT

When things are going smoothly and it all seems effortless, it’s easy to coast to the finish line. When things aren’t going as planned, however, it might be hard to stay motivated to push through it all. But when you compete for God in a rooted identity, you can be confident that you are playing and living for a far greater purpose.

WHAT MATTERS MOST?

Purpose is a big word that can have a lot of meanings depending on the situation. Usually, how you apply that word to different areas of your life is determined by what matters most to you. Are you competing for self or team? For the applause or impact? If you have to wonder about your motivation, always know that you have been called to compete and to live for someone and something greater than yourself.

WHY DO I COMPETE?

It’s a question that all athletes ask themselves at some point in their life: Why do I compete?

Usually, that question comes up when dealing with adversity like injuries, fatigue, individual or team struggles, relationship or family issues or life’s many distractions.

And when you’re not sure, tangible results like personal achievement, team goals, physical benefits and long-term dreams (such as scholarships or career opportunities) tend to be the default motivation.

WHO IS IT ALL FOR?

In John 17, Jesus was a few days away from being crucified, buried in a tomb and raised from the dead. He knew that He had limited time with His followers. That’s why Jesus spent a lot of His remaining time on Earth praying for the disciples and all people who would one day believe and commit their lives to telling the world about Him.

Jesus wanted to make sure they had no question about their greater purpose:

“’They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world.’” -John 17:16–18

Jesus also wanted to redefine what success and winning are all about. Life’s greater purpose has much more to do with God and others than it does with you:

“’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. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.’” -Matthew 22:37–39

Part of loving God is giving Him the glory for anything good you do, and part of loving others is to tell them about Jesus and remind them how to live like Christ:

“’Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” -Matthew 28:19–20

God’s Greater Purpose for you involves:

Greater Glory. There are moments when you receive praise and applause—and that can feel good. But your greater purpose reminds you that the glory goes first and foremost to God—and that’s always the best strategy.

“When he had left, Jesus said, ‘Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him.’” -John 13:31

Greater Team. You love your teammates and you’d do anything for them. But when you understand your greater purpose, you’ll realize that your team is much bigger than you’ve ever imagined—and God wants that team to experience His love through you!

“’This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.’” -John 15:12-13

Greater Things. Being an athlete has some incredible benefits. It’s amazing what you can accomplish through your gifts and talents. But with God’s greater purpose for your life, you can do greater things than you could ever imagine!

“’Truly I tell you, the one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.’” -John 14:12

Remember: Your purpose is to play for Someone greater.

Take a moment to reflect on the reason we started walking together in the first place—to fulfill the words that John the Baptist spoke when Jesus’ ministry was about to begin:

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” –John 3:30

Now take some time on your own to make a list of some greater things you want to do for God in different areas of your life: sport, school, community, church and anywhere else you can think of.

As you begin to understand your greater purpose, God will continue to cultivate and activate inside of you a desire to live out a life like Christ that reflects His heart and inspires those around you to take a step towards knowing God and finding a way to play and compete for someone Greater.

GREATER Articles

Playing Out Your Purpose

God has a greater purpose for your life.

GET INVOLVED:

LIVE IT OUT:

What Are You Competing For?

Set yourself up well by setting the right goals and dreams.

LIVE IT OUT:

Call Out the Good

Words matter. Use them to build up your teammates for God.

LIVE IT OUT:

Celebrating Well

Create a culture of celebrating victories big and small.

Offer A Sacrifice of Praise

Proclaim His Goodness

Be Glad and Trust the Lord

LIVE IT OUT:

Unified as a Team

Great teams rally around a greater vision.

Greater Sacrifice

Greater Invitation

Greater Power

LIVE IT OUT:

Competing with a Greater Purpose

There is greater purpose when we compete with a mindset of glorifying God.

Glorified Life

Glorified Works

Glorified Future

LIVE IT OUT:

Overcoming Injury as an Athlete

Sometimes the things that seem to derail us take us to where we need to be.

The Physical Battle

The Spiritual Battle

The Outcome of the Battle

How to Handle Disappointment

God works through the let downs of life to lead us to lasting fruit.

Fresh Fruit

Healthy Fruit

Lasting Fruit

LIVE IT OUT:

Sharing Your Faith With Your Team

"So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free." -John 8:36

Know Your Freedom

Know Your Influence

See the Bigger Picture

Let God's Grace Be Your Fuel

Be fueled by who God says you are and persevere in His purpose for your life.

Jesus Fuels Your Faith

Jesus Fuels Your Hope

Jesus Fuels Your Love

LIVE IT OUT

What Does Success Look Like?

God longs for more time with you, and for you to know Him in greater ways.

LIVE IT OUT:

How Do You Glorify God in Sport?

Three truths to keep you grounded as you find God on the field.

1. Keep It Centered—always put God at the center.

2. Keep It 100—no faking or pretense.

3. Keep It Clear—focus.

Setting the Pace

God longs for more time with you, and for you to know Him in greater ways.

Remain in God’s Word

Engage in Prayer

Seek the Company of Others

LIVE IT OUT:

What's Your Motivation?

Live out your right to serve and compete as a child of God.

Finding True Rest

﻿ Jesus gives us His peace that’s more replenishing than any effort we can try and obtain on our own.

LIVE IT OUT:

How to Deal With Coaching Burnout

Trade your burnout for the replenishing recovery Jesus offers.

Remember JOY: Jesus, Others, You

Recovery Time

Boundaries

LIVE IT OUT:

How to Deal with Athlete Burnout

Whatever you do, make sure it’s from the overflow of God’s strength and rest.

1. How will you divert your attention from the busyness and pressures of the world and spend 30 minutes to one hour of intentional time re-centering your mind on the Gospel?

2. How will you plan and execute a weekly withdraw from the world to spend time resting in the presence of God?

Jesus gives us His peace that’s more replenishing than any effort we can try and obtain on our own.

Grace is the greater gift Jesus gives.