Much Needed StrengthSample

Vision and Input

Ready: “A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.”—Ephesians 6:10

Set: Being an athlete is not for the faint-hearted or weak-minded. And neither is being a coach! 

If you have been called to a position of leadership (either as a coach or as an athlete), you will inevitably be making decisions that impact those around you. As John Maxwell said, “Leading others takes courage. Knowing the right decision is usually easy. Making the right decision is hard.”

Such responsibility requires vision and input to make decisions that rise above all the noise.

God selected Joshua as Moses’s successor, but before he was ready to take on that calling, he spent 40 years of quality time as a mentee. Forty years! On several occasions, both Moses and God reminded Joshua to be “strong and courageous” (Deuteronomy 31:6–7, 23). So, when it came time for Joshua to lead, the advice was the same: 

“… Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Be strong and courageous. This is what the LORD will do to all the enemies you are going to fight.”—Joshua 10:25 NIV

As a strong and courageous leader, remember these two foundational pieces. First, develop and live by a vision that reflects your core values. And second, be purposeful about the relationships in your life. Then, when the noise inevitably comes, you will be equipped to stay strong and remain focused on the vision ahead.—Sue Ramsey

Go:

1. How can you get rid of the distractions and noise around you?
2. Are there mentors in your life who can help strengthen your faith journey?
3. What kind of vision will you create to reflect your core values?

Workout: 

• Exodus 15:2
• Proverbs 27:17
• Proverbs 29:18

Overtime: Faith is not refined overnight. It is a process, and it takes small steps every day, and trusting that You are overseeing my development. Help me to make a vision for myself to be healthy and ready for impact for Your kingdom. Amen.

This text appeared in FCA Magazine. To learn more about the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, click here: www.fca.org.