A Disciple of Determination
“Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14
The FCA Competitor’s Creed ends with three key identities of an athlete or coach competing for Christ: “I am the Lord’s warrior, a competitor by conviction and a disciple of determination.” Each identity speaks to our call as followers of Jesus. He has given 100% of himself for us, so what does 100% mean for us?
Today, we will be focusing on “I am a Disciple of Determination.”
As followers of Jesus, each of us has been called to be a disciple and make disciples. To be a disciple, we must assume a posture of learning. We know that good feedback makes the best athletes. Learning is directed linked to humility. True humility is illuminated in our ability to receive feedback and move forward.
Can I admit that I messed up and learn from my mistakes? Can I take responsibility for a loss and give credit for a win? Am I able to look past a bad game enough to be ready for my next one?
If I am going to learn the ways of determination, I must know how to bounce back. I cannot stay defeated when I feel like everything is coming against me. I can trust that even the most difficult times can be worked out for my good and God’s glory.
Can I still sing the song of 2 Corinthians 4:8-9? “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
I have gained everything in Christ, so I have nothing to lose. I can lay everything in the arena and have no sense of regret. My sweat is an offering to my Master. My soreness is a sacrifice to my Savior. I have nothing to fear when I am basking in the glory of doing what God has made me to do.
Olympic runner Eric Liddell once said, “I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”
Do I believe the words of the Competitor’s Creed enough to say, “I give my all – all of the time. I do not give up. I do not give in. I do not give out”?
I am a Disciple of Determination.
- Has there ever been a practice or workout that you felt like quitting? What kept you going?
- What do you enjoy about competing?
- In what areas have you felt defeated? What does it look like to trust God for His already accomplished victory?
2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Philippians 3:8; Hebrews 12:1-3
Jesus, You fixed Your eyes on Jerusalem and You never looked back. You knew what it meant to walk in the ways of determination. Strengthen me to walk with my eyes set on You. Help me to fix my eyes on You, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. I want to learn and endure for the glory of the Gospel.
