Athlete Identity Crisis: 30 Days to Understanding Your Identity in ChristNäide

Secure

Sports often fool us into thinking that we are in control. To be clear, we absolutely control our effort, attitude, and intensity. We control whether we want to set the alarm for that early morning workout or do one more rep, even when our muscles are burning.

But the control ends when a bone breaks or a tendon strains…or snaps. Control ends when we realize that an official is only human and still makes mistakes. Control ends when the coach decides to take us out of the game or when the opponent hits the luckiest shot of their life.

The truth is that we don’t have full control over everything that’s happening. There are things that we just can’t train for. And that’s scary. We are people who prefer security over uncertainty—and sports thrive on the business of uncertainty!

There’s a story in 2 Chronicles that addresses the topic of security. Opposing armies are closing in on God’s people. Jehoshaphat, the king of God’s people, has to make a decision. He could have (understandably) told his people to run or strategically plan how to defend themselves. He could have tried to control the situation in any number of ways. But what did he do? He knew that this situation was uncontrollable—so he prayed:

“O our God, will you not execute judgment on them? For we are powerless against this great horde that is coming against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you" (2 Chronicles 20:12 ESV).

Athlete, do you see what he did? He admitted he had no control. Second, he gave control to God. What a great model for us to follow!

Athlete, you are secure, not because you have trained to be the best and to face any situation possible, but because God is in control of the circumstances of your life. Even when things feel out of control and even when you are not getting the results you had hoped for in your sport, God is in control.

Questions to Consider: Can you think of a time as an athlete when it felt like you had no control? Were you able to invite God into that hard process, or did you try to handle it all on your own?