Press on Because of Who You Are

Take some time to meditate on this truth: you are a child of God, made in the image of God.

I started my professional career in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) as a backup goalkeeper. For years, my patience was tested as I battled a broken leg and the ups and downs that came with sitting on the bench.

After my third season, I was traded to the Washington Spirit to be one of the starting 11 players. I was so excited to finally have the opportunity to play, but I had no idea how difficult the following season would be. That season, which began with great hope and expectation, became the most disheartening of my career.

Our team finished the year with 2 wins, 5 losses, and 17 ties. We only scored two goals in our last 14 games! As a key player on the team, I was part of the “problem” in our inability to win, even though I was playing well. I felt helpless.

After a particularly tough 4-0 loss, I wanted to quit. I remember telling my family I was ready to come home and stop playing soccer. But ultimately, it was my identity as a child of God that kept me in the game. When we become followers of Christ, we begin to understand that our lives have a greater purpose—one that goes beyond our personal goals and desires. He gifted me with my unique abilities. He called me to show up every day and give my best on the field for His glory while loving and serving my teammates.

KJ Ramsey has a quote in The Book of Common Courage that has become a motto for me: “You were a thought so beautiful in God’s mind that you had to exist.”

When we go through difficult seasons in our lives, it can be easy to forget how deeply our Father treasures us. Psalm 139 reminds us that we are created with intention and beauty by the very hands of God. Before we take our first breath on this earth, God calls us wonderful.

Believing these truths helped me press on through one of the worst seasons imaginable. I had to remember who I was. As a God’s child, I wasn’t called to quit, turn my back on my teammates, or check out mentally. My identity in Christ gave me the confidence to persevere and to love well while doing it.

Challenge:

• When have you forgotten how valuable you are to God?
• What verses can you use to remind yourself of who you are?

Prayer:

“Father, thank you for being my Shepherd who is with me at every moment, whether I recognize your presence or not. I praise you for adopting me into your everlasting family, and knowing there’s nothing I can do to lose my status as your child. Give me the strength and courage to love those you’ve put around me and to be faithful to the work you’ve called me to do. Amen.”

Who We Are

Athletes in Action helps athletes, coaches, and sports fans apply the Bible to their sport and also to their lives. We’ve created a page where you can explore more resources, discover other devotionals we’ve written, and take your next step in growing closer to God. Come by, take a look around, and say hello—we’d love to walk with you on the journey.