24/7Sample

Day 4: Are You Ready?

By: Mark Long

Ready:

“And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you.” - 1 Thessalonians 3:12

Set:

Coaches and athletes spend a great amount of time and energy preparing for their sport. Before going into competition, they often ask the question, “Are my athletes ready?” or “Am I ready?” They assess many variables to determine their level of readiness to ensure success in their sport or a particular event. They pay careful attention to every detail, physically, emotionally, relationally and wholistically.

Coaches and athletes who have placed their faith in Christ and are following Him have an even greater purpose. They spend more time and energy growing in their faith than they do in their sport. They seek Him first in all areas of life. They frequently step into the presence of God, listening to His voice and accepting His invitation to join Him at His work by engaging with others spiritually. 1 Timothy 4:7b-8 says, “Train yourselves to be godly. Physical training is good, but training for godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and in the life to come.”

Coaches and athletes who have accepted God’s calling on their lives first spend time in God’s Word, training in righteousness, seeking His guidance and direction. Before they talk to people about God, they talk to God about the people He has placed in their lives. They reflect on God’s grace and mercy and assess their level of readiness to step out on faith.

In addition to spending time in God’s Word, training in their sport and following the playbook, they,fully embrace His love and are eager to share it with others. They are so filled with the Holy Spirit and an awareness of God’s blessings that it overflows to those around them, like Paul tells us in Romans 15:13: “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Are you ready to accept God’s call to go and make disciples? God believes you are. Now, READY, SET, GO!

Go:

Do an assessment of your time and priorities. Where are they spent the most?

What adjustments need to be made in your life and schedule to fulfill God’s purpose for your life?

Are you ready to go and make disciples out of the overflow of Christ in you?

Workout:

1 Corinthians 9:24-27

Hebrews 11:1

Isaiah 40:31

Psalm 119:32

Overtime:

Father, thank You for blessing us so abundantly with Your love, grace and mercy. Prepare us and send us into the mission field, wherever it may be. May You use us as a vessel to share Your love with others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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