24/7 AthletesSample

READY: PART 1

“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

You’ve had a reset. You’ve renewed your purpose. You’ve refueled and trained for this moment. It’s time to make the play and that shot.

That’s why athletes compete—to have those opportunities to boldly put that hard work into practice. You know you’re ready when you have the confidence to give your best and not worry about the outcome.

In the same way as a believer, you’ve gone through the process of spiritual reset, renewal and refueling. You are now ready to show boldness and share the Gospel with unbelievers. It’s time to make disciples and live out of the overflow of Christ in you.

Go Show

In Acts 4, Peter and John were arrested for healing a man who couldn’t walk and for using the miracle to publicly share their beliefs. Their boldness made a big impact.

“But many of those who heard the message believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand.”– Acts 4:4

Peter and John were able to be bold because of the new power they had received from the Holy Spirit. They also had the courage to face their opponents because they had fostered accountability and strength through refueling with community.

Go Share

Things didn’t get any easier for Peter and John. The next day, the religious leaders questioned them and challenged their spiritual authority. Despite threat of further punishment, Peter boldly defended his faith and preached a powerful message.

“When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus. And since they saw the man who had been healed standing with them, they had nothing to say in opposition.” –Acts 4:13-14

Peter and John were ready to go share because they had spent time refueling with scripture and prayer.

Be Ready

Like Peter and John, you too can have your own stories of showing boldness and sharing the Gospel. You just have to be willing to obey the Holy Spirit when those moments come.

Here are three ways you can be ready:

• Have the Truth. (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Peter 3:15)
• Have no fear. (Romans 1:16; 2 Timothy 1:7)
• Have faith. (John 6:29; 1 Corinthians 3:7)

When you are unafraid and unashamed to share what you believe, you can be confident that God will finish the work that He begins in and through you.

• What gives you the confidence to boldly approach competitive opportunities?
• What might give you the confidence to boldly show your faith and share the Gospel with others?

Telling others the Good News of Christ is never easy, but it is a rewarding part of your new purpose in Him. Here are two keys that will set you on this exciting journey:

• Go Show: Allow the Holy Spirit to give you boldness and courage to take the opportunities He brings.– Matthew 5:16
• Go Share: Be prepared to explain the Gospel to others through scripture and through your personal testimony.– 2 Corinthians 5:20

In your alone time, think about the steps you need to take to become more confident in your new purpose. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you opportunities to go show and share.