B - Gods Grace for Athletes

Copyright 2018 by B&H Publishing Group All Rights Reserved Printed in the United States of America 978-1-5359-1720-9 Published by B&H Publishing Group Nashville, Tennessee Dewey Decimal Classification: 234.1 Subject Heading: GRACE (THEOLOGY) / HOPE / SELF-CONFIDENCE All Scripture quotations are taken from the Christian Standard Bible, copyright 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible and CSB are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 22 21 20 19 18 Introduction Life tends to maneuver us into categories, into penciled-in bubbles on the random identification form. Some of them we like; some we dont. Some we actively seek out and continue to pursue; some were sitting there waiting for us and wont turn us loose.

But one thing we all know: deep inside these simple boxes and check marks reside entire worlds crawling with complication, challenge, and difficulty. Even if easy to get into, they are rarely so easy to faithfully, successfully, and steadily keep going through. As an athlete you may often feel pushed to your limit. You are constantly working to improve your skills, and become better, so that should apply to your Christian walk also... right? The reason this book exists is because Gods grace never met a check box it couldnt fill with hope, peace, direction, and perspectivewith motivation, counsel, freedom, and opportunity. with grace. with grace.

Gods grace. Sufficient to every place. Even to the places youre living this very moment. Acceptance When we are faced with family conflicts, job stresses, uncertainty about the future, or losing the big game we can rest in knowing that Gods love for us is constant.

But the L ord said to Samuel, Do not look at his appearance or his stature because I have rejected him. 1 Samuel 16:7 Everyone the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will never cast out. 1 Samuel 16:7 Everyone the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will never cast out.

John 6:37 But God proves his own love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

If God is for us, who is against us? Romans 8:31 Peter began to speak: Now I truly understand that God doesnt show favoritism, but in every nation the person who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. Acts 10:3435 Heavenly Father, thank You that no matter what trials and stressors I might face, You uphold me and guide me according to Your purposes. Anger Anger is an emotion that can reveal to us our values. The key, however, is not to act out in anger but to speak and act with love. Refrain from anger and give up your rage; do not be agitatedit can only bring harm.

Psalm 37:8

A patient person shows great understanding, but a quick-tempered one promotes foolishness. Proverbs 14:29 A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. Proverbs 15:1 But I tell you, everyone who is angry with his brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Whoever insults his brother or sister, will be subject to the court. Whoever says, You fool! will be subject to hellfire. Matthew 5:22 Be angry and do not sin.

Dont let the sun go down on your anger, and dont give the devil an opportunity. Ephesians 4:2627

Lord, may Your Holy Spirit guide my words and actions when Im feeling angry so that I can show grace to my teammates and good sportsmanship behavior to my rivals. Anxiety Beneath our anxieties is a need to feel in controlbut our peace is found in knowing that the Creator of the universe holds us safely in the palm of His hand. Therefore I tell you: Dont worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Isnt life more than food and the body more than clothing? Consider the birds of the sky: They dont sow or reap or gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Arent you worth more than they? Can any of you add one moment to his life-span by worrying? Matthew 6:2527 Peace I leave with you.

My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Dont let your heart be troubled or fearful. John 14:27 Dont worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:7

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you at the proper time, casting all your cares on him, because he cares about you. 1 Peter 5:67 Heavenly Father, I entrust to You my body, abilities, and actions, knowing that Your peace will guard my heart and mind. 1 Peter 5:67 Heavenly Father, I entrust to You my body, abilities, and actions, knowing that Your peace will guard my heart and mind.

Authority As an athlete, you have many different levels of authority surrounding you. You may have a coaching staff, a captain, your family; and to all of them you have the opportunity to reveal to them the very character of God.