The Best Game Plan
Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives tales; rather, train yourself to be godly. For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come. (1 Timothy 4:7-8)
There is so much training that goes into every sport that we watch on television. Every person that plays a sport knows that you cannot enter it blindly. You must take it seriously and train as much as possible for it. I know if I were going to be in a marathon, I would train for it. My body would need the physical training. In fact, right now my body is going through physical therapy for my neck. It’s a therapy to train the muscles in my neck to work properly. I have noticed a huge difference through this training, as my neck becomes stronger and the rotation of it gets to a normal performance.
We are challenged in the above passage of Scripture to train ourselves to be godly. We cannot expect to become more like God just because we go to church on Sunday. That’s just like showing up for the game, but forgetting to train during the week. What would it be like if a football player just showed up for the game on Sunday? Well, most likely he would miss out on the team’s strategy, the plays for the offense and the defense, the training for his position, and his body would not be ready for the physical demand of the game.
You and I are not a part of a game. We are living life here on earth. Training is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. This life here on earth gets rough at times and we need to train to be ready for the things that will come our way. Every question that we have has an answer in God’s Word. There is no excuse to not be training daily in the things of God. The best part about our training is that though our life here on earth ends, our time with God does not end. The football game on Sunday ends. There is a beginning, a half-time, and an end.
Well, thankfully with God there is a beginning in our lives, but there never has to be an end. In fact, God has placed eternity in our hearts. He says this in His Word.
“He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men: yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” ~Ecclesiastes 3:11
To be quite honest with you there were times I played football and didn’t train for it. The time I trained for it went much better. I played with a team about 5 years ago. The team that I played with placed second in the championships. Granted there were only 4 teams, but it was a lot of fun. We trained during the week and worked on some plays. We knew how our team worked and our strategy was well thought out. We managed to win every game but 1 or 2 because of the time we trained together.
I know what it’s like to train with a team. I know what it’s like to come up with a strategy. I have watched teams in action. However, no training, no team, no strategy can ever compare to what God has in His Word. God has the best game plan. He knows the best strategies for life. He’s not interested in short term training and short term plans. He’s interested in the training you will do for eternity.
How will you prepare for things you cannot see? How will you prepare for the attacks of Satan? How will you grow in God? What will your strategy be for eternity? Are you ready to train hard for God?
Dear Father God, Thank You for having every answer in Your Word and for giving me the best game plan in Your Word. I continue to draw my strength from You and pray that I will train to be the best I can be for Your glory!
Living Out Your Best Game Plan,
Happy to meet with you here, thanks above information, I will always come
I’m glad you enjoyed the post. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi Sarah,
Love your insight on this verse. I was also reminded of the following verses as I read this.
By the way, check out my blog; it has a new format.
Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither.
Therefore I do not run uncertainly (without definite aim). I do not box like one beating the air and striking without an adversary.
But [like a boxer] I buffet my body [handle it roughly, discipline it by hardships] and subdue it, for fear that after proclaiming to others the Gospel and things pertaining to it, I myself should become unfit [not stand the test, be unapproved and rejected as a counterfeit].
1 Cor 9:25-27 (AMP)
Hi Sandy,
Thank you for sharing these verses with me. They are great reminders of the training we need to do spiritually for God. I like the Amplified version.
I looked at your blog and enjoyed the new format. It looks great. You have done a wonderful job. I really appreciate your insight into the Scripture. God is using you in abundant ways. Thank you for being such a blessing!
~Sarah
Thanks Sarah
I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Patricia
https://lioneltrains.info
Patricia,
Thank you for taking the time to let me know that you are enjoying the blog. I’m always blessed to hear that God is encouraging people through this site. I look forward to hearing more from you soon. I pray you continue to be blessed through the devotions. May God always guide your steps!
~Sarah