When our season begins and the pressure is on, our attention is sharp and noses face-down, concentrated on our craft. Sometimes, we get in spurts of endless training for the next match or the next competitor we’ll face. From dusk to dawn, we can find ourselves fervently engrossed in our sport, constantly thinking about our next training, the next practice, the next step. When the time comes for the big match, we put on our gear and prepare to face our opponent.

Seems tiresome and even intimidating, doesn’t it?

Here’s something to know: in the thick of our season, we are never alone. God is always with us, providing us with guidance, rest and solace. Even with the help of our coaches and teammates, we know there are times we stand alone in our sport and position. We’ve all felt it when the pressures of performance were on our shoulders. And when we need the encouragement to keep going, we can always rely on God.

So, what does that look like? It’s pretty simple. When we take the time to talk to God through prayer, we strengthen the bond He wants with us, and, even more, we take advantage of the guidance and protection He offers us. God longs for intimacy with us and having ongoing conversation with Him is the easiest way to know His heart and for Him to speak into ours. We must familiarize ourselves with God’s voice and His heart. When we know His voice, the sky is the limit. But we must openly seek conversation with Him in every aspect of our sport and in our lives.

We learn this throughout the Bible. To his constituents in Ephesus, Paul addresses the principle of being in communion with God through prayer:

“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.”  (Ephesians 6:18)

God is always with us.
He advises his listeners to talk to God at all times and on every occasion because God is the only One who can truly be there and provide us with what we need. Earlier in the chapter, Paul gives specific advice for tackling struggles of the harshest evils to the annoying debauchery of Satan’s schemes.

“Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil.”  (Ephesians 6:13)

Here, God’s armor is His voice and His Word. By relying on the Bible and persistently praying, we put on the armor of God to face opponents of every degree. How cool is that?

When we feel burnt out from our season or we fear our next opponent, we can find rest and comfort with God. His voice, His truths and His Word strengthen our spirits and body.

And when we know God’s voice well, we get to experience the greater plans God has for our lives. If you let Him, God will open your eyes to a greater mission than just a starting position, a national title or a professional career in sports.

As you prepare yourself for the next day, the next battle, the next opponent, be in conversation with God as much as you can. His voice will protect you. Put on His armor. Prepare for the mission.

NEW DEVO

Click the image below to read our latest devotion on prayer

This quarter, we’re exploring what it means to Pursue Mission. This month, our focus is on how to Prepare for the Mission. Join us as we journey through this exploration and Commit to the Mission next month.

One way to actively Pursue Mission is to get involved with FCA. Whether it’s volunteering as a Huddle leader or character coach, or committing to our team and coming on staff, we have a place for you to serve and disciple coaches and athletes. Get involved! 

Want to learn more about pursuing team and surrounding yourself with the right spiritual teammates? Head to FCA in Action and read our November Pursue articles:

Anchor Article: Fundamental Training: Prepare for the Mission 

*If you read this article and aren’t in relationship with Christ yet but would like to know more, we invite you to go through FCA’s The FOUR that explains how an everlasting and fulfilling life with God is possible.

-FCA-