FCA: The Relentless Devotional For Competitorsናሙና

My Son

Marcellus Casey

READY:

“When all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized. As He was praying, heaven opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a physical appearance like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: You are My beloved Son. I take delight in You!” Luke 3:21-22

SET:

One of the most surprising things I have witnessed in sports ministry is how big, tough athletes are just like everybody else. Ministering to athletes has shown me that every athlete desires the affirmation of a father.

When I was a young athlete, I remember feeling so confident and affirmed when my dad drove me to practice. He would sit in the stands during my games, and it helped me to play well because I knew that he loved me. Having my dad’s stamp of approval helped me push through so many times of doubt and failure.

I remember sitting in a hotel ballroom with a Division 1 athlete after I spoke to the team on game day. Our team was going to play on ESPN that night and everyone was waiting with anticipation. As I sat and listened to this athlete pour out his heart, he was hurting because his father did not approve of him and had not supported him in his entire life.

I shared with him some powerful scripture that my dad always shared with me. Luke 3 tells the story of Jesus being baptism before He started His ministry on earth. As the crowds watched Jesus step into the water to be baptized, God spoke His love to his Son. God gave His stamp of approval on Jesus.

When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we receive the Love of God and all the approval and affirmation that God the Father gave to His son. I pray that as you accept Jesus, you would know that whenever you compete your Father in Heaven is present and He loves you.

GO:

1. Have you ever felt unloved or not accepted?
2. When have you felt the love and approval of someone important to you?
3. How does God’s love and approval of you make a difference in the way you compete?

WORKOUT:

Luke 3
1 John 3:1-3

OVERTIME:

God, thank you for being my Heavenly Father. Thank you for your stamp of approval, even when I don’t deserve it. Help me live everyday with the knowledge and acceptance of Your love for me. Amen.