24/7 Training TimeSample

Walking In Faith & Sport

By: Darlene Johnson

READY

For we walk by faith, not by sight.—2 Corinthians 5:7

SET

Coaches and athletes often feel like they are juggling many multi-colored balls at once, hoping to keep them all moving with precision and accuracy, yet anxious about dropping even one. The responsibilities that coaches and athletes have to their sport, family, academics, community, administration, and fans can be consuming. As a coach’s wife, I can testify to the juggling and anxiety that goes on in sports while attempting to deliver a successful outcome.

Over time, I grew in my awareness and desire to balance it all to God’s glory. When my husband was working with the Tennessee Titans in the early 2000s, I always looked forward to our chapel time before games. Each guest speaker would share a message that often felt like it was just for me. The peace I had leaving the family room set the tone for my God-centered mindset. I could walk by faith to my seat believing that no matter what happened in the game, we would be ok.

What does walking by faith mean, and how do you “walk by faith, not by sight” when the world places such a high regard on wins over losses? Walking by faith means having an eternal mindset rather than an earthly one. It means fixing your eyes on Jesus as the object of your hope, peace, purpose, and passion. Walking by faith shows resiliency and engagement in the process of building something special. You don’t feel like you are juggling more than you can handle because He is with you.

Walking by faith doesn’t mean you won’t experience challenges. Rather, your challenges turn your focus to Jesus and what He will do for you in the midst of those challenges. When challenges come in your sport and you are walking by faith, resiliency grows in your character.

How does engagement factor into walking by faith? When difficulty arises, your focus turns to those you are responsible for and to. Seeing people from an eternal perspective will challenge you to seek what’s best for others. It prompts unity and synergy to work together to accomplish greater team goals. Walking by faith will teach you to see people as God sees them. Balancing sport with faith will yield true success in competition. The opportunity for personal and kingdom impact will far outlast any earthly record you leave behind.

GO

1. As a coach, what challenges you the most when you consider walking by faith while looking at the wins and losses column? How will you adopt an eternal lifestyle?
2. As an athlete, when challenges come, what is your response: faith or fear? What holds you back from trusting in Jesus to guide you through your career?
3. How are you currently balancing sport and faith?

WORKOUT

• 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
• Romans 1:12
• Matthew 5:16
• Luke 11:35

OVERTIME

Heavenly Father, help me to trust You as I balance my sport with my faith. Strengthen me so I don’t grow weary or lose faith when challenges come and I feel like my life is out of balance. I trust You to help me and to give me Your perfect peace. In Jesus’ name, amen.