Ready:
“Truly I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father.” —John 14:12
Set:
In every sport there are edges. Edges are where athletes and coaches see greater potential and possibility. It takes smart players and gifted coaching plus extra hard work to get to the edges. It’s finding the spaces and plays where there is a greater chance of scoring more points or playing a better defense. Some of this comes from examining film. Some of it comes by studying those who have become professionals and have had great success. Much of it comes from hours of practice.
In our Christian life and in our efforts to become more like Jesus and to live like Him, the same principle is true. We must look further and deeper than just the typical actions of discipleship, of praying, reading and studying Scripture. We must search and dig for more of Jesus Christ, moving toward the edges.
Asking these few questions helps us discover more of the edges: Who is Jesus? How does He operate? What is His mission in the world? Why does He do what He does? Answering these questions is like viewing film. We are looking to see what really happened. We are studying to see how He lived while He was here on the earth. We are discovering what was and still is important to Him. We can learn how to model what Jesus did and how we can operate more like Him.
On one occasion when Jesus was teaching, He said in Matthew 21:21, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you tell this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ it will be done.” The core action of finding the edges and being able to live there is your faith. It’s your growing, developing belief and trust in Jesus and in His ways. This builds your faith which gives you greater ability and power to live like Jesus. Finding the edges is a great place to live our lives with Jesus.
Go:
What are some edges in your sport? Are you pursuing any of them?
As a Christian coach or athlete, what edges are you pursuing that brings you closer to Jesus?
How has that edge given you a greater power and ability to live like Jesus Christ?
Workout:
Overtime:
"Lord Jesus, I know there is far more potential and possibility in knowing You, following You, and becoming more like You. Help me see more clearly what I can become as I look to You and follow You. Give me more ability to seek You and to love You. Help me to love and serve others better. I want to honor You in everything. I trust in You. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen."