Greater Promise

Sarah Fremuyth

READY

“For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16

SET

We’ve all experienced it: hope for the upcoming season. Think with me for a moment: your coach approaches you with a promise of a starting position or being named captain. You hold this excitement inside as the first day of practice begins.

You can place your identity and accomplishment in what you’ve been promised. But those promises may not be kept. Plans change. New coaches come in, and someone with a stronger ability at your position transfers to your school. You can’t count on the promise of something that has no guarantee.

But there is a greater promise you can cling to: God loves you (and all of His children) so much that He gave us eternal life through His only Son, Jesus, so we can be with Him forever. God’s love will never go away or change; we can count on Him to stay faithful to His promise. Because of Jesus, we are saved from the perils of sin and set apart with a new identity as God’s child. It’s an unshakable guarantee.

Gone are the days of worrying about whether we can trust the promise of a starting role or the words of a coach. Instead, we stand strong on the greater promise Jesus offers: salvation forever and life in full in the here and now. We are newly identified as God’s son or daughter, an identity that cannot be removed from a bad play, an injury, or a losing season. Live in this unchanging truth and share it with those around you who need this greater promise.

GO

1. Have you placed your identity in faulty promises like winning a game or earning a starting position?

2. Take a moment to pray to God for His gift of Jesus and tell someone about His saving grace.

WORKOUT

John 14:6; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8-9

OVERTIME

“God, thank You for sending Jesus to die for my sins. I believe He is the only way to You and receive Him as my Lord and Savior. When I compete, help me stand firm in my identity as Your child. Thank You that Your love is unchanging. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”