Any sportsperson can always tell you where their family and friends are on gameday, even in the largest stadium. And you can be certain that when a game ends, and whether they win or lose, they will look towards them. This most basic human instinct is to look for affirmation from someone you love and who you are confident loves you.

Our Father

The fundamental desire to be loved and affirmed is the result of being creatures made by a loving God. So, when Jesus teaches us how to pray, he begins by telling us to speak to “Our Father.”

While you and I may have positive or negative experiences of our fathers, Jesus provides the blueprint of God as our perfect Father to whom we can always turn for support.

In John 1:12-13, Jesus explains that God becomes Father to all who trust in Jesus:

“Yet to all who did receive him [Jesus], to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.”

Everyone who trusts in Christ becomes a child of God. A Christian has a Father whose love is unconditional. Your Father loves you today and will do so regardless of your sporting success or failure.

No Fear

When we have a Father like this, we need not fear.

The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:14-15:

“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.””

If you are a Christian, there is no need for you to fear because you are God’s child and you can always look to your “Abba” for love and affirmation.

Your Father gave you athletic ability and the resulting relationships at your club or team. “Abba” father is concerned about your welfare today. Your Father will use victory or defeat to help you grow into the rounded and loving human being he is nurturing.

Today, you are completely safe in the arms of your loving Father.

God’s Team

Finally, notice the plural here: God is “Our Father.” Today, you are not alone. Indeed, you are one of the millions of God’s children playing, coaching, and officiating in the world of sports.

Some of us will experience the joy of victory and others the pain of defeat. Some will be encouraged by today’s game, others despairing. Some are the only Christian in their team, others have believing teammates.

Regardless of our sporting status and experience today, every Christian in sport belongs to our Father’s team and has a contract for eternity. So, whatever happens in today’s game, look up and see him in the stands. He loves and affirms you.

Our Father is amazing. Go play.

Prayer

Lord, thank you that you are my Father and our Father. Thank you that you love me in a way that is greater than ever greater than the greatest human, parental love. Please help me to rest and flourish in your parenthood today and may this be evident as I play and compete alongside others today.

Amen.