When the Clock is Ticking: 4 Ways Christian Athletes and Coaches can Perform Under Pressure when the Game is on the Line
The game is on the line … and the clock is ticking …
What will you do???
Will you cower down in fear …
Or will you rise victorious and triumphant???
Today, we will talk about:
How Jesus handled his trial, death, and resurrection to help you handle your countdowns in your games and competitions.
Happy Palm Sunday!
We are one week from Easter and we know that in Jesus’ day, a lot went down during this week:
- Jesus faced his trial
- Jesus died on the cross
- Jesus was resurrected from the dead
This was the countdown for the end of Jesus’ life.
(In physical form on Earth, that is)
We see some athletes like Tom Brady and Michael Jordan who seem to excel when the clock is ticking, but we see others choke in these pressure situations.
There are some takeaways we can have from how Jesus handled his trial, death, and resurrection to help you in the countdowns of your games and competitions.
1. Remain Calm and Open
When Jesus faced his trial before Pontius Pilate and the religious leaders, he didn’t cower down in fear.
Rather, he remained calm, open, and at peace.
When you cower down in fear, you create a lot of unnecessary tension which robs you of your potential.
But when you remain calm, open, and at peace, your full potential can rise to the surface.
2. GOD’s Will Be Done
Jesus faced a lot of agony on the days leading up to his death, as we see during his prayers at Gethsemane.
But he ended every prayer with, “Not as I will, but as YOU WILL.”
Jesus knew that GOD’s Will would be far more glorious than any suffering he was currently facing.
In your games and competitions, know that when you give your all, no matter what happens …
GOD’s Will will be done.
And whatever that is will be far more glorious than anything you can currently imagine.
3. Let LOVE Win Out
Although Jesus was experiencing a ton of suffering, he had so much LOVE for you, me, and ALL.
And he allowed this infinite and eternal LOVE to fuel him through his suffering and become the Savior for all.
In your games and competitions, allow your LOVE for your players, teammates, the game itself, and to glorify GOD through your gifts and abilities in sports to win out and fuel you through any suffering you may face.
4. Know There Is A Resurrection
Although Jesus’ death was inevitable, he knew that death was only a veil concealing a far greater experience on the other side.
He knew there would be a resurrection where he would conquer sin and death once and for all to be the Savior of the world.
In your games and competitions, although a loss may feel like a momentary death, know there will be a resurrection on the other side.
Win, lose, or draw, you will be able to handle it.
And whatever happens will refine and forge you into a better athlete, coach, and Child of GOD.
Simple Trick to Help You in Pressure Situations
Here’s a simple trick to help you when the clock is ticking and the game is on the line.
Take a deep breath and connect with the Holy Spirit inside you.
We see many examples of athletes taking a deep breath in pressure situations:
- A basketball player at the free throw line
- A tennis player before a serve
- A pitcher before a pitch
This calms down your nervous system.
BUT DON’T STOP THERE!!!
Connect with the Holy Spirit inside you during that breath.
Feel Jesus’ heartbeat inside your chest.
And allow that to:
- Keep you calm, open, and at peace
- Remind you that GOD’s Will be done
- Let LOVE win out
- Remind you a resurrection awaits on the other side
Athletes and coaches for Christ, I wish you well on your journey of performing under pressure when the clock is ticking, and I send love, gratitude, peace, and blessings to you!
May GOD inspire YOU every step of your way,
Kyle
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