Performing well, protecting yourself, becoming strong—it can feel like a lot is all up to you. In every sport, there’s pressure to be good. Competition is just a part of the game until it somehow transforms into comparison with your teammates and judgement toward yourself. 

If you were to ask Jing and Jack, they would tell you that the best way to let go of this pressure is to trust God to give you what you need. In the Bible, God tells Isaiah that he will make him strong. This is a promise for us, too. 

Don’t be afraid. I am with you. Don’t tremble with fear. I am your God. I will make you strong, as I protect you with my arm and give you victories. 
Isaiah 41:10 (CEV) 

The Teammates

Jack
Sport: Soccer

At soccer camp, I learned to rely on God during challenges and obstacles. I also learned why teamwork is valuable. Some players were much better than me, but they encouraged me and helped me improve. Whether I’m a great player or not, my abilities and strengths come from God. My trust in God helped me keep trying. When I did, I discovered that I could grow and get better. There are still times I’m afraid of disappointing others or even myself. I’ve struggled with self-doubt. This verse reminds me that God will help me face these fears. I can trust him to have a plan for me.

Jing
Sport: Horseback riding (show jumping)

Show jumping has taught me how important trust is. I must trust my horse, and my horse must trust me. It’s also important to trust my competitors, my family, and my friends. I used to struggle a lot with fear and control. When things went badly, I became discouraged and filled with negative thoughts. When I start to feel that way now, I pray and remember this verse. It reminds me that I can trust God to help me be strong. He is always with me!

The Connection

Isaiah 41:10 says that the reason we do not have to be afraid isn’t because we are strong, but because God is with us. Our strength doesn’t come from how well we do—it comes from God. For Jack, this relieved the pressure to try to be a great player on his own. Instead, he keeps practicing and trusts God to make him the player he is meant to be, even if that’s not the best player on the field.

Jing knows how important trusting her horse is. When she puts the same kind of trust in God, she can keep trying when things don’t go her way. Her strength also comes from God, who is always with her. He’s with you, too, and makes you strong enough to face wins and losses as if they were the same! Now that’s a victory.

For the Players

Reflect: Out of the following options, when do you find it hardest to trust God?

  • When I’m not as good as I want to be in my sport
  • When I see a teammate struggle
  • When I don’t have time to spend with family or friends because of practice and games
  • When I make a bad play or fail in some way
  • When I’m tired but still have to be kind to my team

Share: Which word or sentence from Isaiah 41:10 encourages you the most? Give that same encouragement to a teammate!

Take a moment to pray:

Heavenly Father,

Help me today to trust in you
With my whole heart,
And lean not on my own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
As I prepare for this competition,
I remember your promise
To be my strength and my help. (Isaiah 41:10)
In every situation,
No matter how I practice or play,
I believe you love me and I trust you. (Romans 8:37–39)
You have a good plan for me. (Psalm 23:6)

Amen.

Press in! Take a moment to read: Psalm 56:3–4

For Coaches and Parents

Read aloud with your team or athlete!

Jack trusts his teammates to encourage him and help him become a better player. Jing says she trusts her horse and even her competitors. They both practice trusting people—and animals—that they can touch and see. This helps them to trust that God is with them, even though they can’t see him.

A question for the team/athlete:

What makes it hard to trust God?

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

Follow-up:

Learning to trust God is important, because sometimes what you see, hear, and experience will discourage you. Sometimes, you discourage yourself! When that happens, you can know that God is with you and gives you strength in your sport and in life.

He is your protector—you don’t have to be afraid!