Field guide · Crossings
Us with Godand Competition
Forecast: bright lights, loud bleachers, and a scoreboard that changes faster than the weather.
Four tired ways to walk
Each has some truth in it. None of them is the whole story.
Under GodSheep that hide from the Shepherd
If we pray before the game and play clean, God owes us the win.
Over GodSheep that know the way
Train right, drill the fundamentals, and the results take care of themselves. God is for halftime.
From GodSheep that follow the grass
God, just let us win this one and get my kid more playing time.
For GodSheep trying to be the sheepdog
We have to win so our team can be a great witness for God.
Run to win, with him, whatever the scoreboard says.
Paul loved a good race and told us to run “in such a way as to get the prize” (1 Cor 9:24–27). Effort matters, so “work at it with all your heart” (Col 3:23), on the field and in the bleachers. The deepest prize was never on the scoreboard or the depth chart. We run with our eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb 12:1–2), who is just as present on the bench as on the podium. Coaches, players, and parents can all compete hard and go home loved, win or lose.
Where the Shepherd isHe is in the stands and on the bench, and he delights in his kids. “He will take great delight in you” (Zeph 3:17).
On the ride home, say “I love watching you play” before anything about the score or the minutes.
Lord, help me compete hard and hold it loosely, with you.
Fellow travelers
People in Scripture who walked this ground before us.
- James and John asked Jesus for the best seats, and he taught them that greatness looks like serving (Mark 10:35–45).
- Paul, near the end, said simply, “I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim 4:7).
Keep walking
- With God: Sheep that know his voicethe posture every entry points to
- Which Way Are You Walking?a short self-check
- The Field Guideevery entry, by terrain, weather and crossing