Formed by the Game: 30 Days of Seeing God in the Liturgies of SportNäide

Timeouts

Every sport has timeouts. They are built-in pauses when the game slows, the noise subsides, and coaches gather their teams to reset strategy. In those moments, adjustments are made, encouragement is offered, and energy is restored. The liturgy of a timeout teaches us something vital: athletes cannot simply push forward endlessly. Even the strongest need moments to breathe, reflect, and prepare to continue.

Life with God carries the same rhythm. Isaiah reminds us that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” Just as athletes rise refreshed from a timeout, so too we find our strength renewed when we pause to rest in God’s presence. The world tells us to go harder, to push without stopping, to achieve by sheer effort. But the kingdom flips this liturgy: true renewal is found in waiting, not striving—resting in God’s timing, not rushing ahead with our own.

Timeouts also remind us of the importance of listening. During a timeout, players are not meant to argue, tune out, or keep talking among themselves—they are meant to focus on the coach’s words. In the same way, spiritual pauses invite us to tune our ears to the voice of our Shepherd. If we charge ahead without stopping, we risk missing His instruction, His correction, or His encouragement.

Think about your own routines. Do you ever take spiritual timeouts? Sabbath rest, prayer breaks during the day, moments of silence before making big decisions—all of these are holy time-outs that help us refocus on God’s will. Without them, we become fatigued, frustrated, and forgetful of who we’re ultimately playing for. With them, we are reminded that God is in control, that His wisdom directs our steps, and that His strength renews our energy for the next play.

Next time you watch or experience a timeout, treat it as a sacred reminder. Ask yourself: where in my life do I need to stop, pause, and reset with God? Timeouts are not wasted—they are opportunities to recalibrate, to listen, and to be renewed for what’s ahead.

Prayer:
“Lord, help me to embrace the pauses You give me. Teach me to find strength not in my own effort but in waiting on You. Renew my heart and my mind so that I can move forward with Your strength. Amen.”