Do you have a passion for sports? As an athlete, you can understand that your body has ways of telling you when you’ve pushed it past its limits. Take, for instance, that time when you huffed and puffed with all your might like the Big, Bad Wolf —just to keep up with everybody else on the playing field. The enthusiasm you first felt suddenly wore thin when you discovered you weren’t physically prepared for the game. Your first reaction? Call for a sub, of course!

As you sat there on the sidelines, gasping and heaving for air, you suddenly became aware of muscles you didn’t know even existed, which started hurting—all at once! The longer you sat there, the more pain you felt. Though aware of your inability, you knew you simply must get back in the action.

Serving Christ ought to be the passion of Christian athletes in the game of life. There is nothing more rewarding. Yet, too often, when we discover we don’t have what it takes to thrive in the Christian life, our excitement wears off, and our focus quickly shifts from Christ to our cross. The blessing becomes a burden, our faith becomes fear, and we soon become discouraged.

God has given you all that you need right now, right where you’re at. Use what He’s given you and get back in the game!