“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: “Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”‘” — Matthew 4:4
>> Sign up here for Sports Spectrum devotionals sent right to your email inbox <<
Two-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time World Cup champion Mia Hamm went unnoticed for much of her career. She spent a lot of time working behind the scenes before she and the rest of U.S. women’s national team were noticed. “The vision of a champion is bent over, drenched in sweat, at the point of exhaustion, when nobody else is looking,” Hamm once said.
All athletes work behind the scenes waiting for their moment and all their hard work to pay off. Oftentimes, it’s easy for fans to forget that these athletes have worked their whole lives in their sport. They have spent countless hours with their sport and perfecting their craft.
As believers of Jesus Christ, we need to put in similar time with our Creator, just one-on-one behind the scenes. When we neglect quiet time with God, we are only distancing ourselves from His great promises. We aren’t allowing Him to have His hand on our lives or learning how to recognize His voice. We are moving further away from His promises.
If Mia Hamm decided to take too much time off from soccer practice during her World Cup runs, she probably wouldn’t be a champion today. If we take too much time off from talking to God and getting in His Word, we won’t get closer to Him and His purpose for our lives.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” — Matthew 6:33
Spend time alone with God behind the scenes, getting to know Him and the purpose He has for your life. You won’t regret it.
— Madison Thacker
If you would like to submit a devotional, please email all submissions to
devotionals@sportsspectrum.com.
