ONE: FCA Reading Plan For CompetitorsSample

One Pain

By Julie Martin

READY:

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” – Romans 3:23-24

SET:

Every athlete at one time or another has suffered pain while competing. I was notorious for turning my right ankle. Even now as an adult I have to be careful of it! 

When in physical pain, what do most people do? They find something that will take away the pain, right? It might be ice, heat, pain medicine or the best pain reliever of all: Mom. 

Sadly, there is no pain medicine that can take away that of our sin. The ultimate outcome of that pain is death. But there is good news! Jesus Christ became the “painkiller” to our sin when He was crucified on the cross thereby relieving us of our punishment.  

All of us sin. There is no denying that. Because of the work Jesus did on the cross, we can now spend our eternity with God in heaven. Our own personal sin is still painful, and the consequences of our actions can cause a lot of pain. But God freely gives us His grace, not due to anything we have done, but because He loves us. Therefore, just by believing that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sin and that God raised Him from the grave, we will be saved! And on that day, all our pain will be relieved. 

GO:

1. Until now, who or what has been your “painkiller”? Has it been a relationship, a person, alcohol, drugs, etc.?
2. Why are those poor sources of pain relief?
3. Can you trust Jesus Christ to become your “painkiller”? If so, what will you do to let Him?

WORKOUT:

Romans 10:9

Ephesians 2:8-9

OVERTIME:

“Dear Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and need Your forgiveness. Please come into my heart and be my Lord and Savior. In Your name, Amen.”