I had the privilege of coaching a girls’ team for the first time in all the years I've been coaching basketball. The 5th and 6th graders had practiced well during the past two weeks. They had worked hard, listened intently to instructions, and dedicated themselves to improving. They had done everything right, BUT this was a real game! They were scared stiff. In the locker room before the game, I went through the game plan to try to calm their nerves, but I asked one fatal question: "Ladies, any questions?" They all started asking tons of questions. So I decided it was best to just pray together and begin to warm up. I find it somewhat comical how nervous they were, but I also felt very bad for them. They had become so afraid of the unknown with this first game of the year that they became more concerned about not messing up than about giving it their best try. The game went well, and we went on to win. However, some girls had to be convinced to go into the game. They were timid with fear. After the game, the words of 2 Timothy 1:7 came to mind. Paul wrote this to Timothy to encourage him to be faithful in witnessing about Jesus Christ, but I find the words so fitting for the girls: "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline." God has blessed each of us with His Spirit, alive in us, to give us power in the face of real life. It is a lesson I hope to teach the basketball team, but it is a lesson every Christian needs to remember as they live out their faith.
Family Discussion Points!
Everyone share times when you've been really nervous.
Talk about how the Holy Spirit in us gives us power when we are afraid. With Him, we have the power to overcome our fears.
Share with each other any sports moment in your life that is a favorite. Were the athletes timid with fear or full of power?
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