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

Created for Good Works

I’m in my second year coaching high school cross country, and my star runner is about to run his first race of the season. He’s followed the training plan all summer, and he’s the most fit he has ever been. The plan is to go out behind the leaders and at the mile mark, to take the lead and never look back. With a half mile to go, he has executed the plan flawlessly and runs away to an easy victory. As a coach, it’s so satisfying when you put a plan together for an athlete you know and have trained well—and the plan works to perfection.

Scripture reminds us that God has done something similar with our lives. Paul says, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10 ESV).

You are not an accident, and you are not random. You are God’s masterpiece, created in Christ for a specific purpose. Just like a coach designs a play with intention, God has designed you with intentionality. He has prepared good works for you to walk in, long before you even knew Him.

We learned through Ephesians 2:10 that your greatest purpose isn’t about medals or stats (and to be clear, pursuing those is not bad!)—it’s about living out the good works God has already prepared for you. That means every practice, every game, every conversation, and every relationship can become a platform for God’s glory.

Think of it this way: in Christ, you aren’t just competing for yourself or your team. You’re stepping into the bigger game plan God has for your life, one that He has prepared for you long before you were even born. The way you encourage a discouraged teammate, the way you handle a tough loss, the way you give your best effort with integrity—these are all part of the “good works” God has called you to. And the amazing thing is, He’s already gone ahead of you and prepared the opportunities.

This also means your life has significance beyond sports. Athletic careers eventually end—whether through graduation, injury, or simply time. But your calling to good works doesn’t end. God created you for a life of impact, whether on the field, in the classroom, in your family, or in your community. Every arena of your life is a chance to live out your identity as His masterpiece.

And notice this: the verse says you were created in Christ Jesus to do these works. That means you don’t have to muster up the strength or goodness on your own! God equips you to carry out what He has designed you for.

So step into today with confidence: you are not aimless, and you are not overlooked. You are God’s workmanship—created with care, redeemed in Christ, and sent out for God’s glory, the good of others, and your own joy. And every time you love, serve, encourage, and shine for Christ, you are walking in the good works He prepared just for you.

Question to Consider: What “good works” has God placed in your life right now—in your team, school, or family?