I can recall a practice in college where the coach was so mad at us and all she had us to was run sprints, suicides, and defensive slides for 30 straight minutes then she just walked out of practice. That practice sucked big time and I can still remember many of the girls crying or even puking in the garbage cans that were placed on the end lines for us. But I can also remember how I felt and how I had nothing left in me. I wanted to curl up in a ball and die because there was absolutely nothing left in me. This makes me think of another time in my life when I went out to Colorado with Athletes in Action.
While I was out west we heard many different talks on how to make or why we should make God our main focus while playing or during a sport. One phrase that stuck with me was “Audience of One.” The way they explained it was you need to play and do everything as in God is watching. Also, it does not matter who on earth is watching you play whether an arena full of people, playing in a pick-up game at the park, or shooting around by yourself. God will always be watching you (or in your audience).
During the time out in Colorado, we had 24 hours of competition. This time was amazing because you could really see God's strength come out and through everyone of those athletes. We played sooo many sports and did a ton of activities such as kickball, ultimate frisbee, volleyball, relay races, swimming (which i absolute hate), basketball, and tug of war. After competing in a couple of the sports/activities I was starting to feel my strength fade but next thing I know we still have swimming to do which I despise big time. I wanted to again curl up into a ball before swimming but especially after it. The next event was basketball and I was thinking how in the world and I going to play when I have minimal energy and strength left in me. To this day, I believe God was within me while I was playing basketball. For the time I was on the court and the ball in my hands, I felt alive and I had all the energy and strength I ever needed. I am not sure what happened or triggered it but I felt like I could have played with most levels of athletes (which were there).
I miss that feeling of being so down and almost out then having God come before you to give you the strength you need. A verse that really stuck with me while I was out in CO was Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Him who gives me strength." then Philippians 3:14 "I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." I still pray that when I am in my lowest of low that I perform the task at hand with the strength give to me from the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
