Pursue Life

Ready: 

“But for us, there is one God, the Father, by whom all things were created, and for whom we live. And there is one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created, and through whom we live.” -- 1 Corinthians 8:6 NLT

Set: 

As a high school and college track athlete, Jesus was my competitive edge. I read scriptures before every meet and believed that being a Christian would translate into good athletic performances. When I was diagnosed with cancer, and my track and field career ended with one year of eligibility remaining, Jesus was my comfort. Before, I pursued Christ for what I could get out of the relationship with Him. But I found that there’s so much more to it than that.

There’s a reason you said “yes” to Jesus that is special and unique to you. Perhaps you said, “yes” to help you become a better player or coach, heal a broken heart, secure a good future, or have eternal life. The truth is, each of our journeys began the same way. God chose us, “For no one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me” (John 6:44). 

We pursue our sport for the many things we can get out of it (glory, fame, fun, and so on). We pursue Christ because of who He is, all He’s done for us, and the fact that He loved us first. We have life through Him! Pursuing life surrendered to Christ is how we say, “Thank You.”

Go:

1. What first inspired you to say, “Yes” to Jesus?
2. How might (or has) an unanswered prayer change(d) your relationship with God?
3. What traits of Christ inspire you to continue pursuing life with Him today?

Workout:

John 1:4; Colossians 1:16; Acts 17:28

Overtime:

“Lord, thank You for teaching me how to love You well. I invite You to live each day and experience of my life with me and through me. Keep me in Your presence during the best times, the worst times, and every moment in between. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Shanta Crichlow