Why Do You Race?Sample

Godly Reasons to Race 2. Fellowship

On day five, we explored how worshipping the Lord was one practical way to glorify God while training and racing. Today, we’ll broaden that. Just as worshipping the Lord individually is a godly reason to race, inviting other Christians to join you in this also glorifies the Lord, either as they worship individually or as you do it together.

Inviting other followers of Jesus to make their training or racing worshipful can be achieved through modeling, teaching, inviting, and encouraging. As we set an example of worshipping through sport, we can enthusiastically invite others to join us.

This can be done through strategic planning (example: arrange for a time of prayer or devotion before, during, and/or after a workout/race) or simply as opportunities arise through the course of your participation. As you model what it looks like to worship while running, biking, etc., you have the opportunity to teach others what we discussed yesterday. Encourage them to focus their attention on the Lord and His will while they train and compete.

As you consider how to worship together with other Christians while training and racing, I recommend starting with what we discussed yesterday. Not to oversimplify it, but basically worship through spiritual disciplines, only do them together. The one caveat to consider while worshipping together versus as an individual though, is that to join your hearts and minds completely, you will usually need to use your voices. To be vocal may require courage, especially in a crowd, but there is power in praying, singing, and reflecting on God’s Word together. I believe this is true whether it’s done in a church, your living room, a coffee shop, or out on a bike or run. Give it a try and experience the joy of this fellowship!

Reflections:
1. Has anyone ever invited you to pray, sing, or reflect on Scripture together while training or racing? How did it make you feel?
2. What are some experienced benefits of worshipping as you train or race with other Christians?
3. How do you think others respond as they see Christians worship together through endurance sports? How do you think the Lord responds?

To connect with a local group of endurance athletes for fellowship, please visit: www.FCAEndurance.org/huddles