Sports Maturity: Competing as an AthleteΔείγμα

# Day 3: Mindset/Anxiety/Depression ## Thoughts for Further Reflection Life is hard! Strong’s concordance says, in the entry for nikaó, “The Greek word most often translated ‘overcomer’ (nikaó) stems from the word níkē ("victory")… means ‘to carry off the victory (to overcome or prevail). The verb implies a battle.” The author made the point that the world is more like a battleground than a playground. Athletes get this point completely! Just remember that battles are temporary; the war is eternal, and Jesus has already defeated the enemy, satan, and secured the victory, making you an overcomer. That doesn’t mean that you won’t struggle, especially with hard thoughts and hard times. Life is truly a roller coaster, but winning battles is a trajectory (upward) and, if you’ve put your faith in Jesus Christ, your destination is already set (Matthew 7:13-14)! ## Prayer God, thank you that I’m not bound to my feelings but to truth and that truth is knowable in the person of Jesus Christ. That’s why, when we put on the armor of God, we have the belt of truth, Jesus, who holds all things together. I thank you that your word says I will be perfect (mature) and complete and will lack nothing when I endure through the trials I face. Amen. ## Main Idea As an athlete, I compete to win the eternal prize and a legitimate earthly prize, one not marred by harming myself or harming others.