Game Changers: Devotions for Families Who Play Different (Age 13-18)ਨਮੂਨਾ

No Matter What

Ready: Philippians 4:10–13

Set:

Paul was wrapping up his letter to the church in a place called Philippi. He helped start the church there, and Philippians is a letter he later wrote to them. He thanked the church for their concern and assured them that even when they can’t help him, the Lord takes care of him. We often hear Philippians 4:13 in athletic settings: “I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me.” You might have seen or heard it as, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

When we hear that verse by itself, it’s easy to misunderstand the amazing thing Paul is saying. It’s not, “I can win this game,” because Christ gives me strength. While it is true all our abilities come from Him (even our very breath comes from Him) and we should be grateful to Him for everything we’re able to do, this verse is about more than that. Paul was saying that He had been through many ups and downs in life. He knew what it was like to have plenty and what it was like to not have enough. Paul’s life wasn’t easy. At times, he was beaten and jailed by authorities who were hostile to the Gospel. He was often in danger and in need. But we find in this passage that Paul had learned to be content no matter what situation he faced. Whether happy, sad, well-fed, hungry, safe, or in danger, Paul could be okay deep down inside. He wasn’t always depressed, anxious, frustrated, and sad. Instead, he could be content because of Christ. He knew Jesus was with him and gave him the strength he needed in every situation.

When you follow Christ, you can have this same contentment, no matter what you face. Life in general, and sports in particular, will present you with challenges and difficult circumstances. When those times come, you can be just as calm and confident, and trusting as you are when times are good, because Christ is the source of your strength. His strength never runs out, and He will share His strength with you. Because you have Him now and for eternity, you don’t have to give in to anxiety or fear or anger or frustration. You can be content, satisfied, and okay deep down inside, no matter what, because of Christ.

Go:

1. In what ways does reading the context of Philippians 4:13 change the way you understand the verse?
2. What are some situations you’ve faced in which it was difficult to be content?
3. How can Paul’s teaching in this passage help you when you face challenges in your sport? In your life?

Workout:

James 1:2-4; 1 Timothy 6:6-10; 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10

Overtime:

“Lord, help me to be content with where You have me right now. Give me the strength I need to face this season in life. Thank You that Your strength never runs out. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

D1 Dad Author:

Greg Vandagriff is a multiple championship-winning high school football coach and the author of D1 Dad: Perspectives from a father and coach on how families can thrive in travel sports. His Prince Avenue football team won Georgia state championships in 2020, 2022, & 2023 and were runners-up in 2021.

Greg has coached at football camps and coaching clinics across the U.S. and internationally in England, Scotland, and France. He also coached his own children in their athletic endeavors. He desires to not only be the best coach he can be, but to be a shaper of men through his coaching.

Sports are an important part of Greg’s life, but he is most passionate about his faith, which has helped shape him from a boy in a challenging childhood situation to a coach of coaches. His faith in God is the foundation of his life, his family, and all he does. He first became involved in FCA while in high school, serving from his high school Huddle his sophomore through senior year. In college, he served at FCA camp and then sponsored a Huddle at Cobb County.

Sports have become a family business for the Vandagriff family. Greg and his wife, Kelly, have three children. Anna plays volleyball at Eastern Kentucky University. Brock plays football, as quarterback, for the University of Kentucky. Audrey is a high school senior who will play softball in college for the University of Alabama.

To learn more about Greg and his family, check them out here .