A New Season, A New PlanSample

# HE IS WITH US Ready: “But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet, and he stood up.” — Mark 9:27 NLT Set: As summertime comes to a close and a fresh season of school and competition begin, there are many changes right around the corner. Sometimes a new season is just what we need, and we’re ready to jump into practice and a new schedule. Other times, a new season can often be daunting—a new school, a new sport, or a new team can feel like a challenging and difficult adjustment. As a competitor with this new season on the horizon, you were not meant to do it alone; you’re going to need strength, and you’re going to need God. The way God cares for each one of us is with the deepest love and greatest strength; He chose to come to earth and be with us in the form of Jesus. In the story of the demon-possessed boy, Jesus was the only one who could fully heal him. He loved the boy in a way that only He could. In just a few simple words, the boy was fully healed; Jesus took his hand and helped the boy on his feet. This is who Jesus is—He is with us, He sees us, He heals us, and He helps us back onto our feet so we can stand in strength. As competitors, we cannot depend on our own strength to perform well. Our bodies crave good training, fuel to sustain us, and a great leader to push us forward and encourage us—otherwise, we’re bound to fail. Do not enter into this new season or school year convinced that you can do it alone, because when you find yourself weak, Jesus is the only One with the perfect strength to take you by the hand and raise you up to stand again. God has made a promise to stay with you and not to leave you. Before this season begins, remember that God is with you. Take Mark 9:27 and put your name into the verse: “ But Jesus took _____ by the hand and helped him [or her] to his [or her] feet, and he [or she] stood up.” Believe it! You can stand firm in this season because God is with you! Go: * Are you excited or apprehensive about this new season? * How does knowing and believing that God is always with you change your outlook for what is next? * How will you depend on God to help you stand in strength this season? Workout: Isaiah 41:10; Joshua 1:9; Romans 8:38-39 Overtime: Heavenly Father, thank You for promising that You are always with me. I want to begin this season with You, Lord. Forgive me when I try to do everything on my own strength and help me to trust that You are there to help me stand. I love You, Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. Claire Britton Claire grew up in FCA doing surf camps with her family for 15 years in New Jersey. She graduated from Liberty University in 2020 and now lives in Kansas City with her husband, Eli. Claire works in the Ministry Advancement Department at FCA's Support Center.