God has a plan
Every coach has a game plan for their team to win. God is the supreme coach! He created everything, including you. He desires that we all be winners in life. "I have come that they may have life and have it to the full" (John 10:10).
We fouled against Him
For every foul there is a consequence. We have all committed fouls in sport and in life.
For fouling against God, our consequence is separation from Him. God is the source of life and everything that is good. By losing our relationship with Him, we lose our source of life and face the penalty of death. "He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together" (Colossians 1:17). "All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
He substituted Himself
But God offers hope through the ultimate substitution. He sent his Son Jesus to perfectly live out His plan and then die to receive the penalty we deserve. He rose from the dead, defeating death and evil. By His sacrifice our sin is substituted for his perfect record, and we can receive new life. "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him" (John 3:16).
We can receive the prize
Does everybody receive this prize? No. You must receive His substitution for you by asking God to forgive your sins by Jesus' sacrifice and put your faith in Jesus as your Savior. "Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God" (1 John 5:5). "By grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God; not a result of works that no one may boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Much like a veteran takes a rookie under their wing to help them, our spiritual veterans want to help you. If you prayed this prayer, please let us know and we will send you some helpful resources and connect you with one of our chaplains.
Not ready? Read what athletes say about their faith and how it impacts life and sport.