A Saviour Born to the World of SportSample

If you’re a Christian playing sport today, you have many battles to face.

What’s the one big issue or niggling thought that keeps consuming your mind?

• It could be a relationship within the team that’s gone sour – how do you begin to reconcile?
• It could be an element of your performance which seems to always let you down – how can you improve?
• It could be the dread of going into the club where others have just found out you’re a Christian – what will happen next?

These trials loom large even when others seem to think they’re small or insignificant. They can stifle good relationships and cripple our joy in our sport.

This Christmas we’re looking at a verse in the bible, found in Isaiah, that prophesies about the birth of Jesus. We’re taking the four names given to this baby and thinking about how they can affect the way we play our sport.

Today the news that Jesus is the “Mighty God” can help us have a good perspective when we think about our trials.

“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6

In the new-born babe we see something of the awesome majesty of Jesus, his strength and his power. He is called the ‘Mighty God’ in reference to his strength in battle. God is sending his son with the qualities that guarantee his people’s preservation. This is good news as we are weak.

Throughout the ages people have accepted the existence of Jesus as a man but have denied his identity as God. If we only find in Jesus the flesh and nature of a human baby, who just grows up into a good man, our new status and hope that he can help in our weaknesses and battles is just a terrible lie and we remain helpless.

What magnificent words of assurance and hope for the people “living in darkness” to hear that the one sent to rescue them has the power to do so.

That is our apparent and very real hope today.

The trial you face which is taking up the most room in your head or most emotional energy is a fierce opponent – it’s not to be belittled or thought lightly of. When you boil it all down your contest will always be against the Devil, sin and death. These are fierce opponents. But a connection to the “Mighty God” means you have abundant protection from them today, as Christ is pleased and able to fight on your behalf.

How are you dealing with your battles?

Christmas calls us to come to him and recognise who the baby in the manger really is. He is the one in the battle defending your salvation in him. So come to him and rest. Give him the battles you face. He is the Mighty God who protects, delivers and equips you every time.

Prayer for today

Dear Lord,

Thank you that today I can remember you are the “Mighty God.” I bring to you now any of my troubles and concerns, and recognise that you can and will deal with them for your glory – nothing is too big for you!

Help me to keep recognising you as my Lord and Saviour as I compete in my sport. Help me to come to you and find rest.

In your name,

Amen.