What's Your Purpose?

READY

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” -- Ephesians 2:10 NLT

SET

Oftentimes, we as coaches or players participate in sports because of the love we have for the game. There can be other benefits, such as building new relationships or learning new skills and gaining popularity but finding a sense of purpose in participating can carry anyone through the difficulties and tough times we may experience. Injuries, defeats, decreased free time and the mental toll of practice/workouts that can accumulate over time can cause players and coaches alike to question their continued involvement. More specifically, you can ask yourself, “Is all of this worth it?"

At various times in our life, we will find ourselves asking God this same question; many of us already have before. Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, issues with health, enduring abuse/neglect or feelings of inadequacy or loneliness, we can conclude to ourselves that God does not have a purpose for us. However, God does have a vision; not only for all of mankind but for us specifically. When God created Adam, He gave him dominion over every plant and animal, even having him name each one! God also created Eve to help Adam, and together they were created to have children. Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are God’s masterpiece, not just an afterthought. Furthermore, we were created to do the good things He has planned for us to do long ago, before we were even born. The only question that remains is whether we know what those good things are.

We have all been uniquely made; our fingerprints and footprints match no one else’s. Our gifts are the same way; what we naturally are good at helps us achieve the purpose God has given each of us. Everything that you go through in life helps you obtain knowledge and wisdom that can be applied to the situations that we face in sports and in life. While we may feel that no one else is going through what we are facing, the reality is everyone must find out what issues or areas God has made them passionate about and how that ties into fulfilling His vision by using the gifts God has given you. If we cut our lives short through self-destruction or give up on seeking out our purpose/vision, we will never be able to impact the people we are supposed to impact for God’s Kingdom. We will also never receive the fulfillment of accomplishing what we were designed to do in the first place.

No matter what you are going through, it is worth it to keep going because God has declared through His Son’s sacrifice and His Word that you are worth it.

GO

• What are some areas, things or issues that you feel passionate about?
• What are some skills or talents that others have told you that you are good at? Have you noticed that you tend to do these well among your peers?
• How can you combine your passions and talents to seek after what God has planned for you to accomplish while on this Earth? List some action steps you can take to get the ball rolling.

WORKOUT

Romans 8:28; Philippians 2:13; Genesis 1:26-30; Genesis 2:19-23 Psalms 139:13-18

OVERTIME

“Lord, help me seek and find the purpose that You have for my life. Your Word states in Proverbs 29:18 that without vision, we perish. Help me to identify what I am passionate about, as well as my talents so that it can point me toward the vision that reaffirms me of the immeasurable worth that I am to the advancement of those around us and to the advancement of Your Kingdom. Make clear to me that I matter, no matter what my surroundings, environment or circumstance say otherwise. I place my confidence in what You have spoken in Your Word. All of these matters I bring to You in Your precious Son’s Name, Amen.”

William W. Harrell

William is a Weight Training Teacher, Head Football Coach, and Assistant Track Coach at Johnson High School in Gainesville, Georgia. He has worked in education for 14 years and coached for 18 years, with various jobs all in the state of Georgia; Hephzibah, Montezuma, Augusta and Portal. Harrell graduated from Georgia Southern University in 2006 and has 2 children. He has worked alongside FCA for 8 years and has attended numerous retreats, camps and seminars.