AthleteWord: “But we do not belong to those who SHRINK BACK and are destroyed, but to those who have FAITH and are saved.” – Hebrews 10:39 NIV
READ
Hebrews 11:17-19
REFLECT
Competitors move! They fight through workouts for one more rep. They strive to improve technique, strength, and efficiency so they can achieve one more rep. They know one more rep could be the difference between winning and losing. As they run, competitors realize one more step could make the difference. Great attention to detail is vital to competitors.
Competitors for Christ also realize this same truth. The Scriptures call the competitor’s attitude moving “by faith.” What does this mean? Moving by faith is not “shrinking back.” It is a refusal to quit or retreat. Through faith in Jesus Christ competitors strive to move forward. They may not improve large distances, move large loads, or sprint fast, but their faith keeps them moving one step forward.
DISCUSSION
When have you been in a workout and felt like you cannot manage one more rep?
Describe your experience and how you responded.
Abraham was a competitor. It was Abraham’s faith that kept him moving forward. God challenged his faith by giving him the ultimate test. He was instructed to offer his own son as a sacrifice. As Abraham walked up the mountain with the supplies for his sacrifice, every step must have been a huge challenge. Thoughts of quitting surely moved through his mind. But he did not “shrink back.” He kept moving forward because he knew God always keeps His promises. Even if it took a resurrection, Abraham believed God would be faithful.
God still allows His competitors to be tested today. The way we keep moving forward is the same way Abraham walked up that mountain. We trust the promises of God. We believe in God’s power to produce eternal life. Will you fight for one more step as you believe in God’s promises to you through Jesus Christ?
“One thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:13-14 NIV
Champions Compete for One More Rep
