ONE: FCA Reading Plan For CompetitorsSample

One Power

By Julie Martin

READY:

“I also pray that you will understand the incredible greatness of God’s power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honor at God’s right hand in the heavenly realms.” Ephesians 1:19-20

SET:

There’s a sense of power and passion when it comes to defending your home court. This is your house, and no one comes in and steals a victory on your turf!

The same kind of power (only a degree more intense) is displayed in a mother grizzly bear when protecting her cubs. Standing 12-feet-tall when on her hind legs, she can decapitate lions, wolves and, yes, humans, with a swipe of her paw. This makes her one of the fiercest animals in North America. The only competition she faces is a male grizzly bear, which is normally 30 percent larger in size. Even a male grizzly will relent, though, when faced with the ferociousness of a momma protecting her young. What the momma grizzly lacks in size, she makes up for in power.  

Did you know that God has the same power and passion for us? Unlike the grizzly bear or an athletic team, though, God has no competition. God is the competition!

In the book of Ephesians, Paul prays that will understand the greatness of God’s power.  This same power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is alive and active inside of us! We are protected by faith in the salvation that comes from Jesus Christ, and our faith in Him gives us direct access to God’s power—the power that raised Christ from the dead! And that same power protects us as we carry out His perfect plan for our lives.

GO:

1. How does knowing God’s power is at work in your life affect the way you face obstacles in sports? In life?
2. What does it mean for you to know God has you protected? 

WORKOUT:

Romans 8:38

1 Peter 1:5, 9, 13

OVERTIME:

“God help me to live my life with power and to face obstacles with courage and strength knowing I am protected by Your power through Christ.”