ONE: FCA Reading Plan For CompetitorsSample

At First Look

By Chanda Rigby

READY:

“Then Pilate had Jesus flogged with a lead-tipped whip. The soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him. ‘Hail! King of the Jews!’ they mocked, as they slapped him across the face.” – John 19:1-3

SET:

In championship training, one of the most important lessons for an athlete to learn is that winners don’t always appear to be winning. Though applause and trophies are common images of championships, it’s important to remember that for every glamorous championship moment, there have been countless unglamorous moments. 

The reality is that sacrificing and stumbling are necessary when building strength for victory. Often, when we’re going through seasons of failure and defeat, we forget that they could be part of our future championship. 

John 19:1-3 is taken from the account of Jesus’ crucifixion. I’m quite certain that Christ didn’t look like a champion when He was being mocked, slapped and scourged. But though He appeared to be at His very weakest, He was actually on the verge of becoming the world’s most accomplished champion by defeating death itself.  

Stay encouraged when you appear to be losing. Though at first look you may appear to be defeated, you may be on the verge of your biggest championship yet! Keep in mind that the Lord has promised to work all things for your good (Romans 8:28)—even those that could be considered defeat. 

GO:

1. Think of some times when you felt like a failure.

2. Consider how these times could be a part of your future success.

3. Visualize how Jesus must have appeared to be losing at His crucifixion and then what He conquered three days later.  

WORKOUT:

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Romans 8:28

OVERTIME:

“Jesus, help me to remember that even You did not always appear to be winning, but that, like You, I can push through temporary pain and the appearance of failure to be a Champion if I focus on doing the will of my Father.”