Rest: An FCA Devotional For Competitorsናሙና

Intentional Rest

Ready: “But if you remain in Me and My words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted!” - John 15:7

Set: 
The word “rest” comes from the Greek “anapauo,” which means to relax, calm, or refresh. God obviously wanted us to be familiar with the term, which appears hundreds of times throughout Scripture. After all, it was He who rested after each day of creation, and then rested an entire day when His work was complete. If the omniscient and omnipotent Creator of the universe needed rest, how much more should we as coaches, athletes, and followers of Him, realize we also need it?

God created us to be dependent upon spiritual rest found in Him in the following ways:

Rest in His providence. God is sovereign and knows all aspects of our lives. He’s fully aware of what we’re going through, and we can be assured that He is at work on our behalf.

Rest in His promises. The Lord is faithful. He will bring to completion the work He began in us, in His divine timing.

Rest in His plan. Though it may not look the way you planned, God really does have our best interests in mind. And we can trust that it is a plan that will benefit His children and bring Him glory.

Our physical, mental, and spiritual rest is challenged regularly each day, and we must remain diligent to make the most of God’s ideal plan for our work and rest. If we can rest in God’s providence, promises and plan, we will find ourselves experiencing His peace that surpasses all understanding in our sport and out of it. – Shane Williamson

Go:
1. How can you refocus your mind and reorganize your schedule to live from a place of rest?
2. What do you need to do to refresh your body, mind, and soul to be the best coach or athlete you can be?
3. How can you best recover the weary areas of your life?

Overtime: I want to take time today to slow down and intentionally rest in Your providence, promises, and plan. I believe You have the best in mind and are faithful to fill me in You. Amen.
This text appeared in FCA Magazine’s Coach’s Corner column titled “Intentional Rest.” To read the column in its entirety, click http://www.fca.org/magazine-story/2016/12/29/intentional-rest