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

Personally Known

If you’ve been around sports long enough, you know the following statements are pretty normative:

“Someone put a body on 17, he’s killing us out there.”

“Is anyone going to guard 23 today?”

“Outfielders bring it in a bit, number 7’s up.”

Opposing coaches are trying to be demeaning. But they only know us by our abilities (or lack thereof) and our external features—like a jersey number, hair color, or height.

On many teams, athletes are known by numbers. Coaches shout them across the field. Fans see them on jerseys. Stats are tied to them. But as personal as sports can feel, it’s easy to get lost in the shuffle—just another player, just another number.

Not with God.

This is how God sees us according to the prophet Isaiah:

"But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
'Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine (Isaiah 43:1 ESV).'"

I have called you by name, you are mine. That’s personal. The God who created galaxies knows your name, your story, your struggles, and your dreams. You’re not lost in the crowd—you’re deeply seen and known.

And it’s worth pointing out again: you’re seen and known without any need on your end to perform for it. God thought of you, designed you, and knows you fully—even apart from the sport you play.

In a world marked by cheap social media interactions and surface-level relationships, God knows each of us on the most personal of levels.

Even when a coach overlooks you or when teammates forget your contribution, God never forgets you. He knows your effort, your heart, and your identity in Him.

This truth also brings comfort in moments of fear. Isaiah reminds us: “Do not fear.” Why? Because you belong to God. When your identity is in Him, you don’t have to fear failure, rejection, or uncertainty. You are His. Your identity is found in the God who calls you by name.

Question to Consider: When do you feel overlooked or unseen in sports, and how does remembering that God knows your name encourage you?