Not Made to Draw Back
“For you need endurance, so that after you have done God’s will, you may receive what was promised… But My righteous one will live by faith; and if he draws back, I have no pleasure in him. But we are not those who draw back and are destroyed, but those who have faith and obtain life.” -- Hebrews 10:36, 38-39
It was the first game of my senior season at Appalachian State, and we were playing the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. Chattanooga jumped out to a 28-7 halftime lead. With 14:54 left in the game, the Mocs still led 35-14. Miraculously, we came back to win 42-41. We did not quit or become discouraged by an early deficit. Instead, we fought until we achieved the victory for which we prepared.
Moments like this test us and reveal what we are made of. Times of adversity and uncertainty are opportunities for us to endure in identity, discipline and purpose. In the middle of our battles, we must stand firm in who we are, what our strategy is and what we are after.
Endurance is the quality that separates the champions from the rest. As an athlete or coach who follows Christ, stand firm as someone who does not draw back, who endures and who obtains the promise. God is pleased by your endurance in identity, discipline and purpose.
- What are the stressors in your life and during competition that tend to cause you to draw back from your commitments?
- In what ways can you stand firm and fight back when you face adversity in your sport and in life?
“Lord, help me to keep my eyes fixed on victory like Jesus did when He endured the cross. I pray I bring You pleasure in the way I compete and live by enduring to the finish. Amen.”
