Get the appRest: An FCA Devotional For CompetitorsSample
It Is Well
Ready: “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and He will give you everything you need.” - Luke 12:31
Set: God has put goals in our minds and dreams in our hearts. They are treasures, but no matter how well intentioned they may be, we can wind up idolizing our dreams and draining ourselves pursuing them at all cost.
Making it to the Olympics in swimming became my dream, but I had no idea the work and dedication it’d take to make it a reality. My sport suddenly had become the top priority in my life. Nothing—not even youth group or church on Sundays—would come before swim meets and practices.
I was close to collapse, but a youth pastor’s invitation for a mission trip made me do a heart check and realize swimming had become an idol.
My priorities rearranged as I recognized that Christ needed to be the center of my life, and nothing should get in the way of Him.
I kept this reminder close as I later competed in the U.S. Olympic Trials, a difficult and emotionally taxing meet. My motto was, “It is well with my soul.” I kept reciting it over and over. No matter what happened, my soul would be spending eternity in Heaven; the results of each race had zero effect on that. There is so much freedom in knowing that God has everything under control, and we can fall into His embrace.
He takes good care of us. It is well with our soul to rest in Jesus and let Him guide us in truth and love. – Kelsi Worrell
Go:
1. How can you watch to make sure your sport doesn’t become an idol?
2. In what ways might you need to rearrange your priorities?
3. How can you rest in it being well with your soul in Christ?
Overtime: You are Provider, Sustainer, and Protector. You give me sweet rest as I remember. You are fully in control of every situation in my life. It is well with my soul to stay close to You. Amen. This text appeared in FCA Magazine’s Home Stretch column titled “It Is Well.” To read the column in its entirety, click http://www.fca.org/magazine-story/2016/12/29/it-is-well
About this Plan
This 5-day reading plan, adapted from content within FCA Magazine, focuses on “Rest” and explores the benefits of rest, renewal, and honoring the divinely created Sabbath. It offers perspective and encouragement for the coach or athlete struggling to make time for rest – both physically and spiritually – in their busy schedule. To learn more about FCA Magazine and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, visit fca.org.
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