FCA: The Relentless Devotional For CompetitorsSample

Living Balanced Clay Elliott READY: “Therefore I, the prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received.”–Ephesians 4:1 SET: Last year Nik Wallenda walked above Niagara Falls on a 2-inch-wide, 1800-foot-long cable that stretched above the raging waters below. In his hands he held a 40-pound balancing pole for stability as he walked. The extra weight of the pole created stress, but without it he surely would have plunged to his death due to the high winds, the mist in his eyes and the instability of the cable. The Bible is much like Wallenda’s balancing pole. It may seem like it’s creating tension in directing us through life, but rather it is providing stability through our wobble of sin, the blindness of bad character and the high winds of problems. Therefore, this seemingly heavy weight really isn’t an encumbrance at all but a blessing. In our verse above, the term “worthy” actually means bringing up the other beam of the scales. Picture a scale—one side has your position, the other your practice. On our position side we are perfect because Jesus Christ is in us, but in our practice we are rarely perfect. Allowing the Bible to direct us will create the balance that God intends for us. This tool is what makes us walk worthy. Don’t be caught out of balance in your daily walk with God. Seek the Balancing Pole’s stability every day and you will be able to navigate on the cable of life no matter what hardships you are facing. Go: 1. Considering all the areas of your life (school, home, friendships, team, etc.), how often do you go to the Balancing Pole to gain direction? 2. What changes might the Bible be encouraging you to make in these areas? WORKOUT: 2 Timothy 2:15-16 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Hebrews 4:12 OVERTIME: Joshua 1:8 Father, thank You for the blessing of Your Balancing Pole! Let it stabilize me as I study it. In Jesus name I pray, amen. Check out Heart of an Athlete at http://www.fcagear.com for 90 devotions on issues athletes face