It was a long day, my schedule was out of whack, and the time I put aside to train was messed up. If that wasn’t enough, the aches and pains from summer workouts were wearing me down. Then the clouds rolled in and rain began to fall. I decided to make up my workout another day.

I sat and read a devotion book. The author told of struggling one day to keep his focus on the task set before him. He tried several things to get his mind on track, but nothing worked. Then he remembered John 10:10: “A thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy.” Was Satan keeping him from doing what God had planned for him?

I thought about my situation and heard God tell me to get up and do my workout. As coaches and athletes, we are to use our talents as offerings to God and glorify Him. The Devil will try to destroy the purpose God has set in us. Satan knows he can’t beat God, but he has a chance of beating us if we let him.

I was fired up. Playing football is my offering to God. Jesus took my place on the cross; the least I could do is give my all on the field. So I headed for the field in the rain and strong winds. Despite the adversity, it was probably my best running day. The more pain, the better, because I knew God was with me. I wasn’t going to miss my chance to give back to Him who has blessed me so much.