Gratitude: The Real Gift is Being on God’s Team

Before I knew Jesus, I did everything for myself. But as I have walked with God, He has changed and shaped my heart. Now, as I live from a posture of gratitude, I seek to honor God in everything I do. I know that I am living, playing, and competing for something far bigger than myself.

In the world of sports that demands our allegiance and loyalty, it’s important for us to understand who we belong to.

Our Father has graciously invited us to play for him. On the cross, Jesus paid the transfer fee to bring us from sin’s team to His team. When we understand that being able to wear the jersey for Christ is the greatest gift, we carry ourselves with a heart of thankfulness, playing and competing with freedom as we invite others to join God’s team.

Life with God is not only about what He can give us, it’s about being in close relationship with Him–being His child, being His friend. I feel the Father’s affection in every season of my life. I know I am safe with Him, even in the midst of storms. He comforts my heart when I am facing challenges and trials.

There is no greater gift than belonging to the family of God. Part of playing for His team is sharing that gift with others. There is no limited number of roster spots in the Father’s house. It is His heart for everyone to be saved.

I try to share the gospel with my teammates all the time, and I host a prayer group before every game. This is our work here: to share the Word of God–with actions, not only with words.

We need to show that we are people of God. To obey His commands, to love His Word, to live lives worthy of our calling. This type of living will transform our own hearts and the hearts of the people around us as we seek to produce a harvest for the Kingdom!

Challenge:

• Spend time thanking God for the gift of new life He has given you. How can you express your gratitude to God through your life / sport?
• Who in your life can you invite to play for God’s team?

Prayer:

"God, I am just grateful to be a part of Your team. Help me live with a heart of gratitude as I seek to tell others about the gift you have offered to us all. Let my life speak of your love, grace, and mercy. Transform my heart and the spaces You have placed me in. Amen."

Summary

Through Lucas’s story, we see that transformation is not built on talent, success, or achievement, but on surrender to Jesus. From career uncertainty to Olympic heartbreak, God used every season to shape his heart through humility, obedience, forgiveness, and gratitude. Lucas reminds us that true identity is not found in performance but in belonging to Christ. When we trust God in both victory and disappointment, He forms us into new creations, using every circumstance to draw us closer to Him and reflect His character to the world.

Next Steps

We have other devotionals from World Cup players and athletes like Lucas. You can find them on the Athletes in Action Connect page here in the Bible App. Keep growing, keep learning, and keep walking with Jesus through His Word.

Take Action

We’d love to help you explore who Jesus is and what it means to have a relationship with Him. Click here to start your journey or to deepen your walk through more resources we offer.