Though you may not say it. Everyone has dreamed about making the gaming winning shot, game saving tackle, game winning touchdown pass, finishing first while a large crowd is watching, etc. Sports is one of the biggest idols. It is so easy to be swept in it.
As an athlete you must pray it’s all for God’s glory and not my own. I shall honor the Lord and not myself. I am able to participate in this event because of the Lord. God has blessed me with a talent for His glory.
...1 Corinthians 9:24-27, Do you not know that the runners in the stadium all run in the race, but only one wins the prize? Run so as to win. Every athlete exercises discipline in every way. They do it to win a perishable crown, but we an imperishable one. Thus I do not run aimlessly; I do not fight as if I were shadowboxing. No, I drive my body and train it, for fear that, after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.
While Jesus was suffering Jesus said not My will, but your will be done. There are some sports athletes who talk about the goodness of the Lord when they are on top winning, but as soon as they are on the bottom they forget about His goodness and they have a bad attitude. I believe that God can use a loss to humble someone just like He could use a trial for the same purpose.
...Romans 8:28, We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.
One of the greatest things about being an athlete is the training. You are taking care of the body that the Lord has given you. Always remember that physical training might have some benefits, but never forget about godliness which has greater benefits.
...1 Timothy 4:8, Train yourself for devotion, for while physical training is of limited value, devotion is valuable in every respect, since it holds a promise of life both for the present and for the future.
Never let the doubters get to you. Let no one look down on you, but be a good example for others.
Titus 2:7-8, Urge the younger men, similarly, to control themselves, showing yourself as a model of good deeds in every respect, with integrity in your teaching, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be criticized...
Win the competition the right way. Do what is needed and have self-control. Fight through the struggle, keep your eyes on the eternal prize, and keep on moving towards the finish line.
2 Timothy 2:5, Similarly, an athlete cannot receive the winner’s crown except by competing according to the rules.
LET’S PLAY BALL!!!