Focus On What You Can Control

I’ve found that successful coaches and athletes have learned to focus on the things that they can control in their particular sport; especially in the midst of adversity.

For the Christian coach or athlete, Colossians 3:23 is a great truth from God’s Word that tells us what to focus on in the midst of the test of adversity. It says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart as for the Lord and not for man.”

One thing that you can control in the midst of the test of adversity is your effort. The first part of the verse commands us to do whatever you do with all your heart. This means a total release of all your abilities (physically, mentally, emotionally) to carry out your responsibility in that moment.

Another thing that you can control is your purpose ("as for the Lord and not for man"). For the Christian, your purpose (why you are doing what you're doing) is to honor Christ. When others see you in action with this as your purpose, they are moved to think great things about God.

For the Christian, the work of the Holy Spirit in enabling and empowering us to work at it with all our heart for the Lord is crucial. Who else can know the limits of our heart? Who else can know what we hold inside as our true purpose? If you want to do sports God's way, you've got to know God's Word and be in tune with His Spirit.

Chris Bubak - FCA-Nebraska State Director