ONE: FCA Reading Plan For CompetitorsSample

Walking in the Valley

By Adrienne Sherwood

READY:

“When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.” – Isaiah 43:2a

SET:

I was a second-year collegiate basketball player when I found out that our women’s soccer team was heading to the playoffs with a freshmen backup goalkeeper. Upon discovering this, I approached the soccer coach to let him know that I’d played keeper in high school and could be a great alternative to his backup. 

After a conversation with the athletic director and basketball coach, I went on to start in the first round of the playoffs! As a result of this crazy experience, I felt like God was leading me to switch to soccer for the remainder of my college years. I left friendships and traditions from basketball behind to pursue this new path. So when I didn’t make the varsity team I was absolutely devastated! I felt like God had abandoned me, and I was very resentful.

Are you in a season in your sport or in life where you feel like God has abandoned you? Are you questioning His goodness, care, concern and best interest for your life? I have found that these are the seasons in life when we learn the most about God because He has our attention. It certainly worked that way with me!

Although suffering is not always a result of God trying to get our attention, I believe He does use it to teach us more about His character. He is a loving Father who disciplines His children and a jealous God who is with us always. 

GO:

1. Do you struggle to worship God in the valley of suffering?

2. Share what God has taught/is teaching you in the valley.

3. What are some of God’s characteristics that you can focus on when going through a trial?

WORKOUT:

Joshua 1:9

Hebrews 12:6

OVERTIME:

“God, help me to praise You in the best and worst of times and believe that You are with me. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”