Rising to the Occasion

Michigan v Syracuse“Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Romans 8:5

I had the privilege of going to last year’s national championship game between Louisville and Michigan. I confess I knew nothing about either team, but as the game progressed, I was quickly captivated by a little, freshman guard on Michigan named Spike Albrecht. Albrecht, who was only averaging 1.6 points per game, caught fire from the 3-point line and single-handedly kept the Wolverines in the game. In 18 Big Ten games, he had 22 points total. In the national title game, he had 17 points in the first 11 minutes. The Wolverines fell to the Cardinals in the end, but Albrecht’s performance is one I know I’ll never forget.

I believe Albrecht probably performed the way he did, not because he got lucky, but because he entered each game, each half, and each minute throughout the season with the mindset his team might need him. That’s the way good players think. On a star-studded team with national player of the year candidate Trey Burke, Albrecht stepped up when Burke was in foul trouble and rose to the occasion.

I’m learning to approach my walk with God the same way. If what God desires for me is perfect unity with Him, then it seems plausible that He may use me in unexpected places, random conversations, and unscheduled occasions. It’s this full-time purpose, constant adventure, and life led by the Spirit that seems to continually captivate me on this walk with Christ.

By Stephen Copeland

Stephen Copeland is a staff writer at Sports Spectrum magazine. This devotional is taken from our most recent Training Table. Log in here to access our most recent Training Table. Subscribe here to receive 12 issues a year and a daily sports-related devotional.