Devotional

Credit Due

Ready 

"Rest in God alone, my soul, for my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I will not be shaken. My salvation and glory depend on God; my strong rock, my refuge, is in God."
-Psalm 62:5-7

Set 

It was in a post-game press conference that we saw the true Curt Schilling. Sure, he had pitched an unbelievable game in Game 6 of the 2004 ALCS, but in the first question of his press conference we quickly learned where the Boston Red Sox pitcher found the strength to complete his performance. Schilling explained that he has been a Christian for seven years and has learned over time that he cannot do anything under his own strength. He puts his hope and trust solely in God for the strength to do what is needed.

In recent beer commercials, we see the self-proclaimed "famous" Leon Johnson sharing with the world where all credit is due, which would be to him. Johnson, no relation to the author of this devotional, immediately gives credit to himself when good things happen and blames his teammates when his performance is bad.

David penned Psalm 62 for the choir director of his day to proclaim that though his enemies were many, he would wait upon the Lord for his provision, and in turn give all the credit to back to God. Leon Johnson and many athletes of our day need to learn where all credit is due.

Did Curt Schilling always understand this concept of properly acknowledging His Lord and Savior? No. But in his search for meaning, he has found rest, comfort and trust in Jesus Christ! He has learned that in victory or defeat, good times or bad, God deserves all the credit for allowing us to perform for His glory and for giving us the strength to do amazing things in and through Him.

Have you learned what Schilling has learned, or are you caught up in doing things the Leon Johnson way? Learn to give credit where credit is due. You are nothing without Christ, and all hope, trust, strength and honor comes in and through Him.

Go 

1. Whom do you give credit to after a great performance?
2. When things don't go your way are you a God-praiser or a God-blamer?
3. Today, how can you start giving God credit for all things in your life?

Workout 

John 15:5
Philippians 4:13
Psalm 59:17
Psalm 73:26

Bible Reference: 
Philippians 4
Sport