Coach's Corner
Warm-Up
“I am the bread of life,’ Jesus told them. ‘No one who comes to me will ever be hungry, and no one who believes in me will ever be thirsty again.’” — John 6:35
Your ability to compete at a high level is often determined by how you fuel your body. There’s good fuel and there’s bad fuel. Good fuel works perfectly with all your natural systems—nervous, muscular, cardiovascular, etc. Bad fuel might give you a temporary boost but will run out quickly and can cause long-term damage.
- What are some good fuels that you consume that help you do your best (fruits, vegetables, natural or organic food, etc)?
- What are some bad fuels that drag you down and keep you from doing your best (energy drinks, pre-workout, illegal substances)
As an athlete, you might be looking for nutritional and healthy ways to unlock your full potential. But with God, there is a greater fuel that will empower your body, mind and spirit!
Workout
Athletes are always looking for a competitive edge, and now more than ever, the sports world is emphasizing what you put inside your body. Olympic gold medalist Allyson Felix is a prime example of an elite competitor who extended her career far beyond the norm—and now many others are following her lead.
Unfortunately, there are still many athletes that are tempted to take unethical and even illegal shortcuts that might have an immediate benefit, but end up causing long-term and potentially life-threatening problems.
- What are some natural ways that today’s athletes are trying to get the most out of their bodies and extend their careers?
- What are some shortcuts that you’ve seen athletes take that might be beneficial for a time but bad for them later?
The world has fuel for your body, mind and spirit—things like drugs, alcohol, godless entertainment, false religions and self-serving beliefs—that can keep you from getting closer to God. The world’s fuel can also have damaging, long-term effects on your mental and spiritual health.
But Jesus is the Bread of Life (John 6:35)! But when your life is consumed with Jesus, His fuel will bring peace, freedom and joy. You will have a greater ability to share those fruit with others. The apostle Paul taught there are three most important spiritual gifts:
“Now these three remain: faith, hope, and love—but the greatest of these is love.” —1 Corinthians 13:13
Repeat after me, “Faith. Hope. Love.” Let’s come up with some hand movements to help us remember these gifts. For faith, cross your index finger over the other index finger to create a cross. For hope, look up and point to the sky. For love, hold your hand over your heart.
Your access to God’s greater fuel will not only change your identity as a competitor, but it will also empower you to fulfill the greater purpose to which He has called you.
- What are some things the world has to offer as fuel for your mind and spirit?
- What are some of the differences between the world’s fuel and God’s fuel?
Wrap-Up
God is your Creator and He knows (and through Jesus has given) what you need most to glorify Him.
Here are three ways that Jesus’ greater fuel will impact all areas of your life:
- Jesus fuels your faith. While the world is offering fear, God is offering belief in something bigger and better that goes beyond confusion and doubt.— Hebrews 11:1
- Jesus fuels your hope. While the world is offering hopelessness, God is offering the promise of a better today, a brighter future and an unimaginable eternity.— Romans 15:13
- Jesus fuels your love. While the world is offering anger and hate, God is offering unconditional, sacrificial and selfless love that can flow to you and through you.— 1 John 4:16
Close in prayer with the team or ask an athlete if they feel comfortable leading the group in prayer.