Week 9: I Go Every Day

Let’s get into groups of two or three and ask each other these questions:

1. Have you ever been nervous before a competition?
2. What gives you the confidence to play your best?

Now, let’s take a few moments to share some of the things you discussed in your groups.

Being nervous is something that all athletes face. It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting out or if you’re competing at the highest level. The fear of failure and a lack of confidence can be powerful opponents in our quest to do our best.

No matter how much you study, practice, and train, sometimes you just don’t feel ready to go out and compete. Have you ever felt like that? What have you been afraid or nervous about? Turn to your partner and discuss your experiences for a few minutes.

Fear and doubt can creep in and steal all the confidence you’ve been building up. Then, what happens when you play?

But you have to remember, when it’s time to play, you’ve got to get out there and trust that you’re prepared to do your best.

God never meant for you to live in fear or to be lacking in confidence. And over the last few meetings, you’ve been hearing about all the things God gives you: salvation, freedom, prayer, the Bible, church, strength, boldness, and the right spiritual equipment (God’s armor).

However, He hasn’t given you these things just so you can compete at a high level or make good grades in school. Those things are important. But God’s highest calling for your life is to:

1. Live like Jesus.

Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.”

2. Tell others the Good News.

Matthew 5:16 tell us, “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”

Since you have been given all of these blessings, there are no more excuses. You’ve got this. It’s time to get in the game.

You are ready! Shout with me: I am ready!

In Hebrews 13:20b-21, we learn that God:

“…Equip[s] you with all you need
for doing his will…he produce[s] in you,
through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him…”

When you are united with Christ, you have everything you need to do follow God and do what He asks of you—just like His disciples who were the first people to share the Gospel not long after Jesus’ death and resurrection. We learn this in Acts 1:8:

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

There’s no need to be nervous or afraid. You can go every day with great confidence in knowing that Jesus is with you every step of the way. He is with you! Are you ready?

Let’s go back to those two things we are called to do—live like Jesus and tell others the Good News.

1. Which of those callings do you struggle to do with boldness and confidence?
2. What are some ways that you can build up your boldness and confidence in those areas?

Take some time to think about those questions over the next few days. Ask the Holy Spirit to give you more boldness and confidence and don’t hesitate to talk to a mature Christian that you trust about whatever challenges you might be facing.

Let’s close today’s Huddle Time in prayer:

“Dear God, thank You for giving me everything I need to do what You have called me to do. Make me ready so I can share the Good News of salvation with everyone that needs to experience Your love. Amen.”