“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” — Isaiah 41:10
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The roar of the crowd, the pounding of your heart, and the expectations of others and from yourself are weighing on you. Walking onto the field or court can feel like a daunting experience at times, but as a Christian you are equipped to walk with courage and face giants.
The Bible is filled with stories of courage. From David facing Goliath to Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego entering the fiery furnace, these tales remind us that God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called.
As athletes, we train our bodies, hone our skills, and strategize for victory. But true courage goes beyond physical prowess. It’s about stepping into the arena, even when doubt creeps in, trusting in God’s plan and our own preparation.
You can remain focused on your goal by having faith and walking in courage even in times of anxiety. Scripture reminds us to keep our eyes on Jesus as the ultimate goal. “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2). Our ultimate goal isn’t just winning championships, but glorifying God through our sportsmanship, dedication and perseverance.
Courage isn’t the absence of fear, it’s moving forward despite it. By relying on our faith, we can step into the arena with confidence, knowing that God is with us every step of the way, in victory and defeat. So, the next time you feel those pre-game jitters, remember you’re not alone. With faith as your guide, you can step into the arena, knowing you have the courage to compete with your all and glorify God through your effort.
— Elizabeth Donnelly
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