Wisdom for Sports Parents From the Old TestamentSample

We Must Wait on the Lord

Today’s passage from Isaiah offers encouragement for parents and young athletes alike, emphasizing the importance of patience and trust in God’s timing. The journey of athletic development is unique for each child, filled with its own set of challenges and milestones. Learning to “wait on the Lord” becomes a pivotal aspect of navigating this journey, ensuring we provide the support and understanding our young athletes need to thrive.

Isaiah 40:31 speaks directly to the heart of every athlete and parent: “Those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles; They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” This scripture is a beacon of hope, highlighting that strength and perseverance are gifts from God, renewed as we place our trust in Him.

This verse reminds young athletes, especially those pushing themselves to excel in sports while balancing academics and social pressures, to slow down and align their efforts with God’s will. The promise of renewed strength is not just physical but encompasses the mental and emotional resilience needed to face the rigors of training, competition, and personal growth.

Parents play a critical role in this process by modeling patience and trust in God. By encouraging their children to “wait on the Lord,” parents can help them understand that their worth is not defined by their performance or the pace of their development. Instead, it is rooted in their identity as children of God, whose love and approval is unwavering.

As parents, we are to walk alongside our young athletes, guiding them to find balance and fulfillment in their sporting endeavors. Remind them that God is with them in every practice, every game, every moment of doubt, frustration, victory, and joy. Encouraging your children and teens to commit hope in the Lord and trust in His timing can transform how they view success and failure.

Let’s be patient and supportive, trusting God’s plan for our children’s athletic journeys. Let’s remind them and ourselves that true strength and endurance come from waiting on the Lord and allowing Him to lead us through highs and lows.

The Sports Ministry Institute (SMI) was created under GCSD to minister to athletes from a wide variety of sports, with simple, thought-provoking devotions for athletes to think about their sport and their athletics inside the biblical worldview of God and His grace. Be equipped as an athlete/minister today. Pre-register for SMI Core Curriculum now!