Learning with Gratitude

After Competition

How did your competition go? You may have hit all your goals or fallen short. Even with a successful performance, you think about what you did well, what you would do differently, and how you can improve in practice. Regardless of the outcome, it is important to give God the glory.

For Cindy, she did not get her best time on her first race back from injury, but she felt relieved. She began to imagine all the personal bests she wanted to achieve, and how she wanted to be back to top performance.

But, this was not what happened. Cindy says, “It was taking me awhile to reach times I used to hit with ease. I slowly began doubting myself and wondered if the doctors were right after all. In those moments, I had to remember verses about perseverance. God does not promise us quick and easy journeys; He promises to be with us through the whole process.”

Remember that God does not judge us based on a perfect performance or if we set new records. What matters to Him is if we are living godly and humble lives. He wants us to learn and grow from our performances. When we remember that truth, every performance will hold a different purpose. We will perform for an audience of One.

Here are some verses to remind yourself at the end of every competition:

• Fight, finish, and keep the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7).
• Fix eyes on Jesus and run to persevere. (Hebrews 12:1-2)
• Godliness is a more important value than physical training. (1 Timothy 4:8)

As you reflect on your race or game, remember what matters most. God is more interested in who you are and what the process is teaching you rather than the results alone. Whether you win or lose, hit your goals or fall short, keep your eyes on Him. Run your race with perseverance as you keep your eyes focused on the One who will never leave you.

Action Points:

• Reflect on your performance with God. Did you glorify God in your effort and attitude? Journal your answers.
• Practice gratitude, win or loss, good performance or poor. What can you be thankful for?
• Spend time in prayer. Be honest about how you feel, and then thank God for the journey. Ask for continued strength and guidance.

Prayer:

“God, help me live for an audience of One. Help me run the race with perseverance. Remind me to believe that every performance has a different purpose.”