You gave it your all in the first half, but there’s a lot left to go. You’re worn out. At the start of the game, your nerves almost got the best of you. And now you just want the game to be over. Hoang and Janice have been there. How did they keep going?

Trusting God isn’t like waving a magic wand that gets rid of all our nervousness and exhaustion. But it’s what allows us to keep going with joy and boldness—we know that God will see us through.

But those who trust the Lord
will find new strength.
They will be strong like eagles
soaring upward on wings;
they will walk and run
without getting tired.
Isaiah 40:31 (CEV)

The Teammates

Hoang
Sport: Football (Soccer)

One of my biggest challenges is getting nervous before a game. Sometimes my nerves affect how well I play. I’m learning to pray, trust God, and ask him to give me peace instead of letting my nerves control me. Isaiah 40:31 says that if I trust God, he will renew my strength when I’m tired or nervous. God wants me to keep going so I can show Jesus on the field! But it’s helpful to have other people remind me. My father tells me to enjoy the game and never give up. When I lose or make a mistake, he encourages me to keep practicing. He reminds me that I can learn from my mistakes, keep growing, and be thankful.

Janice
Sport: Basketball

Competition can be fierce in basketball. Every now and then, it gets exhausting. Sometimes when I feel pressure or fear on the court, I pray and remember Isaiah 41:13. Isaiah writes about remembering what God did for his people so they can have hope. This reminds me that I am never alone. God is with me when I am afraid or under pressure, like he always has been and always will be. Even in the middle of a game, I ask the Lord to help me overcome my fear or my tired muscles. It’s like he lifts me up when I fall.

The Connection

It’s about our perspective. Hoang and Janice have found that through the Holy Spirit, praying to God and remembering Scripture are small miracles that give new strength. Even when they are still tired and nervous, they can encounter God and invite him to work in their lives.

When you believe God’s promises and remember all the incredible ways he has shown up for his people—including you—you are strengthened in a way that lasts. You can run and run on this kind of strength, and you’ll never get tired!

For the Players

Reflect: When you are tired during a competition, what Bible verse can you have in mind to remember or what can you pray to God to find new strength?

Share: Keep an eye out for a teammate who is nervous or tired. When you notice, be a voice of encouragement—help them find new strength from God!

Take a moment to pray:

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your empowering presence,
For giving me strength to run and not be weary;
For giving me strength to walk and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31)
You, O Lord, are the everlasting God,
The Creator of the heavens and the earth.
You do not grow weak or tired,
But you give power to the faint
And strength to the powerless. (Isaiah 40:28–29)
When I trust that you are by my side,
I have nothing to fear. (Isaiah 41:13)
You are my strength and my song;
You are my God and I will give thanks to you,
For you are good and your steadfast love endures forever. (Psalm 118:14, 28–29)

Amen.

Press in! Take a moment to read: Isaiah 41:13

Want more on this topic? Check out Isaiah 41:10 – Trust God for Strength

For Coaches and Parents

Read aloud with your team or athlete!

Hoang talks about the encouragement he receives from his father when he makes mistakes. This helps him remember that God gives him strength to keep playing, and that playing his sport well matters because he represents Jesus on the field.

A question for the team/athlete:

What is one thing I can say or do to encourage you when you’re tired, nervous, or make a mistake?

(Allow a few responses from the team/athlete, then read the follow-up message.)

Follow-up:

Sports can wear us out. We need each other to keep running! God uses your support system—your coaches, parents, and teammates—to be a part of lifting you up. He gives the new strength, and we help each other receive it.