"Lord, You are my portion
and my cup of blessing;
You hold my future." –Psalm 16:5
In athletics we do a good job of misusing the verb need. We need a win. We need new uniforms. We need this player to play well. We need to raise this much with our fund-raiser. We need to have everyone at workouts.
The only problem is we are not looking at the verb need right. When we use need, we use it to mean something we would like to have. All of the situations above are things any coach or athlete would like to have. Who would not like new uniforms every season? We should use need a little differently.
What would our life look like if we substituted a different definition for need? Maybe something like, “a need is something we must get or we will die.” Then we would go from needing new uniforms to needing air, food, water, and the water of life, Jesus Christ.
1. Do you understand that God is your only true need? How have you taken this need to heart?
2. How does your need to win, advance, improve in your sport compare to the need you have to grow as a follower of Christ?
3. What promises of God can you look to in the Bible to help increase your faith in every circumstance?
Psalms 13:6; 55:22; Isaiah 40:11; Luke 1:37; 2 Corinthians 1:9-10; 1 Peter 5:6-7
Jesus, I want You to be the most important need in my life. I realize that without You, everything else is a distraction. Thank You for being my one and only provider. You know what I need before I do. Thank You for Your protection over my life and for providing the necessary food, air, water, and material things that help me live day by day. Help me stay focused on You. Amen.
About the Author:
Michael Hill is a former FCA staff member and head coach. He lives and teaches in Haysville, Kan. In his career, Michael has been blessed to coach college and high school football and spend years as a high school cross country coach.