Devotional on pain & praise: April 16

Daily Devotional: Wednesday, April 16 – Praise Through The Pain

By Sports Spectrum Apr 16, 2025

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

“Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Ephesians 5:19b-20

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Dealing with adverse situations can be one of the greatest tests an athlete faces. A serious injury, an illness, poor grades or other circumstances can dash our hopes and dreams.

The Bible tells us to not be surprised when tough times come our way (1 Peter 4:12), and that in this world we will have trouble (John 16:33). Then we are instructed to consider it all joy when we face various trials (James 1:2-4). How do we maintain a spirit of joy when going through difficult times? The answer is praise!

Often, going through tough times causes us to grow weary and tired. But when we affirm our trust in God through praise, He renews our strength and lightens our load. What once may have appeared as an overwhelming situation begins to pale in comparison to the greatness of our God. As we turn our attention to God during challenging times, He gives us a fresh outlook and encourages our heart.

So instead of focusing on your situation, praise God. Sing along with your favorite songs and hymns. Pray a psalm back to God. Thank Him for His past faithfulness and, by faith, for what He will do in your future. Raise your hands toward Heaven. Kneel in prayer.

In doing so, you will be offering God a sacrifice of praise. The more you praise Him, the more you will experience His love and power in your life. How will you praise God the next time life’s circumstances are difficult?

— Karen Zando, Orlando Pride team chaplain

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Daily Devotional: Friday, April 25 – Bloom Where You’re Planted

By Sports Spectrum Apr 25, 2025

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

“Planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.’” — Psalm 92:13-15

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“Bloom where you’re planted” is a phrase I have been hearing a lot lately. It’s a word of encouragement to inspire someone to make the best of their opportunities and prosper no matter the environment or circumstances.

Like many sayings, it’s Biblical. Psalm 92:13-15 (above) reminds us that when we are “planted in the house of the Lord, we will flourish in the courts of God.” In other words, the Lord calls us to have a foundation in the Gospel, so that our roots may grow in good soil and produce fruit that honors God.

For athletes, this could look like several different things. It could be proactively seeking guidance from coaches or mentors. Perhaps things aren’t going how you planned and it’s adjusting to a new team, situation or role. Maybe it’s seeking an additional way to contribute or developing your skillset.

Following Christ does not mean immediate success. But it’s important to understand that when things shift from your plan, they could still be right on track with God’s. As athletes, when you are rooted in the Gospel, your development and resiliency despite the circumstances are testimonies of Christ and your faith in His design.

A plant’s growth is determined by how strong its roots are and the nutrients in the soil. Take confidence in knowing you have the ultimate life source in Christ fueling you along the way.

Wherever you are in your athletic journey — whether that’s working to improve your skill level, time standard or team — you are exactly where the Lord intended you to be according to His perfect timing, and you should act as such. It is not what you do or where you are, but how you do it and whom you are doing it for.

In athletics, success often takes time and hard work, and can look a variety of different ways. But when you follow Jesus, you should take comfort in knowing that whatever situation you are in, if your foundation is in the Lord, you will bloom.

— Sofie Davis

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Daily Devotional: Thursday, April 24 – Playing For God’s Kingdom

By Sports Spectrum Apr 24, 2025

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams at the 2024 NFL Draft. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.” — Ephesians 4:11-12

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I love the NFL Draft. It’s a moment when hopeful young athletes hear their names called, marking the beginning of their professional careers in football. Teams select players with the goal of building a stronger, more dynamic roster that will help them achieve success on the field.

As a Chicago Bears fan, I’ve been especially interested in the draft as the organization looks to rebuild and return to winning. The draft is a time of opportunity, excitement and expectation for both the organization and its fans. There’s hope that these newly minted members of the team will embark on successful careers that will lead your team to glory.

But as Christians, we can also look at the NFL Draft and draw a powerful parallel to how God equips and calls His people for His Kingdom.

In Ephesians 4:11-12, Paul writes about the gifts that Christ has given to His Church. Just as NFL teams draft players with specific skills to help their team succeed, God has uniquely gifted each of us with talents, abilities and spiritual gifts to contribute to His Kingdom. No two players are alike, and no two people are alike in God’s eyes. Each of us has been chosen by God for a purpose, and He has equipped us to play a part in the body of Christ.

Just as teams carefully scout and select players who fit their needs, God knows exactly where He wants to place each one of us. He doesn’t make mistakes in His selections. Whether you’re a teacher, a nurse, a leader, a servant or a behind-the-scenes worker, your role in the Kingdom is just as important as the next. God calls each of us to serve in different ways, but all are necessary to build up the Church.

As we watch the NFL Draft, let it remind us of God’s deliberate and thoughtful calling on each of our lives. Some players will be called to the spotlight, while others will be called to work quietly but faithfully behind the scenes. The same is true in the body of Christ. There is no insignificant role in God’s Kingdom. Every believer is called to serve, whether in leadership, teaching or simple acts of kindness.

— Cole Claybourn

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Daily Devotional: Wednesday, April 23 – Dump & Chase

By Sports Spectrum Apr 23, 2025

New York Islanders and Florida Panthers players chase the puck, March 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” — Ephesians 4:22-24

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To the untrained eye, hockey might look like total chaos. And while this is understandable, I can assure you everything taking place on the ice has intentionality. Players are not simply skating around aimlessly; they are moving into position. The puck never stays still because everyone is battling for possession of it in order to win.

There are endless strategies teams utilize during the course of a game, one of the most common being “the dump and chase.” This is when a player crosses the red line, shoots the puck deep into the opponent’s zone, and then quickly skates after it trying to regain possession. It’s simple, yet extremely effective when used correctly because it puts the opposing team on the defensive and applies a great deal of pressure.

While the dump and chase is a great strategy for hockey, it’s a horrible one for dealing with sin. The apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 4:22-24 (above) to “put off your old self” and “put on the new self.” In other words, do not dump your old sinful lifestyle only to chase right back after it.

Instead, allow God to create and develop a new self within you — one desiring to chase after Him rather than the things our culture promotes as significant. Be encouraged knowing God has an intentional plan for your life, which is far better than anything you could imagine for yourself. There is a new life waiting for you, and while it’s not easy to put off the old self, it is absolutely worth it.

— Sam Gonzalez, Hockey Ministries International chaplain

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Daily Devotional: Tuesday, April 22 – Accountability

By Sports Spectrum Apr 22, 2025

(Photo courtesy of Shutterstock)

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” — Ephesians 4:15

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The results of King David’s affair with Bathsheba were horrendous (2 Samuel 11-13). She got pregnant and David ordered the murder of her husband, who was one of his own military leaders.

Although David suffered greatly from the consequences of his sin, he received forgiveness from the Lord (Psalm 51) after God sent the prophet Nathan to rebuke him and convict him of his sin (2 Samuel 12:1-7). To David’s credit, he received Nathan’s rebuke and acknowledged his sin. King David didn’t defend his actions or make excuses. He admitted that he had blown it and took full responsibility. He allowed himself to be held accountable.

Rebuke is a word we don’t use much anymore, but it’s found repeatedly in the Bible. It means to express a sharp, stern disapproval or reprimand to chastise or admonish, especially a formal one given by a person in authority.

One mark of a trustworthy leader is one who graciously and humbly receives valid criticism and allows himself to be checked and held accountable for his actions (Proverbs 27:5, Psalm 141:5). Good leaders also know how to rebuke and hold others accountable in a way that promotes growth and change, not resentment and rebellion (Ephesians 4:15 (above), Colossians 4:6).

To be a great leader or teammate, you must be humble enough to allow yourself to be held accountable for your actions, and wise enough to know how to hold others accountable, not out of a critical heart but a loving one.

— Jerry Birch, Cleveland Cavaliers chaplain

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