Easter for SportspeopleSample

The Resurrection

Fear in sport can be crippling. When we are overwhelmed with worry about how we are going to perform, about how we are perceived in a team, or about what the future holds, it limits our capacity to compete and affects all our relationships.

When Jesus rose from the dead, the angels told the disciples not to fear. Our greatest fear as humans is death but as the disciples stood in the cold tomb, they saw no physical body because Jesus had risen – death has been defeated.

Death has been defeated because the resurrection proves our sins have been forgiven.

Paul wrote:

“If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, you are still in your sins.”

We can live without fear because death is no longer the end and we can live without fear because the resurrection proves our sins have totally been forgiven – past, present, and future.

Also, as we think about our sport, we have no need to fear because the resurrection once again shows us that we have a God who is infinitely more powerful than anything else in this world. He is God! He alone has risen from the dead. So do not be afraid.

What are you most afraid of now when you think about your sport?

• The opinion of your coach or manager?
• Your ability to continue to perform as your body gets older?
• The pressures and temptations you face to conform to the culture around you as a follower of Jesus?

Do not be afraid, because God has defeated death.
Do not be afraid, because God has forgiven all your sins.
Do not be afraid, because God rules and reigns now in heaven.

“Do not be afraid…he is risen!”

Let's pray

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the wonderful truth that you are alive and death has been defeated. Help me to live a life without fear in my sport because I know you have defeated death, forgiven all my sin and you reign now in heaven.

Help me to be a witness to my teammates in how I act and react to situations because I live knowing you are alive!

Amen