Pressure to Purpose

Ready:

“Listen, Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:4-5

Set:

As a competitor, does it seem like there is never enough time in the day to get it all done? How do I find time to train, keep up with my academic course load, spend time in the Word, take care of myself, do things outside of my sport and breathe all in one day? From the moment the day begins, it is A LOT.

In the Old Testament, the day began at sundown. The Israelites had a different mindset when it came to daily obligations. In the evening, they would recite the Shema to remind their hearts that they are one with God, who is in control of everything, and their one job is to love Him with all of their heart, soul, and strength. They gave it all to God and then went to sleep. When they woke up, they would recite the Shema again to remember they are one with God, and their job is to love Him.

When we seek God first, everything else falls into place. The enemy’s strategy is to distract us by adding things that appear important but are not essential to our schedules. The pressure to perform comes at us from every angle, and we never have enough time. His main job is to deplete us physically, emotionally, and spiritually, so everything feels like extra work, and we cannot do Kingdom work. But God has given every believer Kingdom work to do, and through the cross, everything we do becomes Kingdom work!

God sacrificed His Son on the cross and sent us the gift of the Holy Spirit to end the chaos in this world and return peace that transcends all understanding. When my daily focus shifts from self to Savior, the posture of my heart changes. I begin to understand I am created to play the sport I love, and everything I do is for the good of the Kingdom and the glory of God!

GO:

• As a competitor, how can you identify and prioritize time with God amidst the pressures and distractions of your daily schedule?
• What practical steps can be taken to maintain a focus on glorifying God in all aspects of your life, including sports?
• Considering the shift of focus from self to our Savior, how do you see this impacting your approach and mindset to competition and life outside of sports?

Workout:
Matthew 6:33; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:1-4, 23

Overtime:
Heavenly Father, I praise You for creating me just as I am to play the sport I love. As my focus shifts from self to Savior, may you continue to fill me with the power of the Holy Spirit so I may do all things for Your glory and reach the people right where You have placed me. In the precious name of Jesus I pray, amen.

By Mindy Hopman