Daily Devotional: Thursday, August 1 – Battle Tested

“Not solely so, however we additionally glory in our sufferings, as a result of we all know that struggling produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” — Romans 5:3-4

>> Sign up here for Sports Spectrum devotionals sent right to your email inbox <<

Christians know properly that perseverance and endurance are a big a part of the religion. One of many biggest classes within the Bible comes from Paul in Romans 5, the place he teaches that endurance produces character and character produces hope (Romans 5:3-5).

Paul is referring to these struggling. Nonetheless, the message is related for Christian athletes, particularly relating to enduring and persevering in aggressive sports activities.

The current NHL Stanley Cup Finals put each the Edmonton Oilers and Florida Panthers to the check. Initially, the Panthers dominated the sequence by profitable three straight video games. To everybody’s shock, the Oilers got here again and tied the sequence, 3-3.

Athletes are aggressive, however some may stop when confronted with such a tough problem. It’s just like the Biblical account of Goliath. Solely a courageous shepherd named David had the heart to combat the robust warrior. Nobody else had what it took. David exercised bravery, braveness and perseverance.

And so did the Oilers of their comeback. Led by star Connor McDavid, the Oilers gained three video games in a row, taking the Finals to Sport 7 in Florida. Regardless of their final last loss, the Oilers’ capacity to beat the chances was inspiring, as few hockey groups have made such a comeback.

Not solely did the Oilers present endurance and perseverance, however so did the Panthers. Did they change into overconfident of their 3-0 lead? Much like Samson dealing with a thousand Philistines (Judges 15:14-16), the Panthers needed to persevere and dig deep with a view to discover their aggressive spirit. The Panthers made it to their second Finals in two straight years, shedding the primary. The stress intensifies when a group makes it to the Finals. In Sport 4, the Panthers crumbled, resulting in doubt after a loss, and panic ensued because the Oilers ultimately tied the sequence.

Sports activities exemplify the significance of by no means giving up and working towards each persistence and perseverance. Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky shined within the first three video games and struggled in Sport 4, even being benched. It wasn’t till Sport 7 that he regained his groove. As soon as the ultimate sport got here round, Bobrovsky shined. After profitable his first championship, Bobrovsky praised God, saying, “I need to thank God for this expertise. … I’m nothing with out Him, I need to dedicate this win to Him. … I’m simply blessed.”

Bobrovsky stated it finest as he praised the Lord. Regardless of being benched in Sport 4, his coach didn’t doubt him for the remainder of the sequence. Bobrovsky’s arduous work paid off as he solely gave up one purpose in Sport 7, main his group to victory. Regardless of challenges, Bobrovsky and the Panthers persevered and emerged as battle-tested champions.

— David Crum

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him <<

>> Subscribe to Sports Spectrum Magazine for more devotionals and stories where sports and faith connect <<

>> Purchase “The Increase 52 Week Devotional” to further grow your relationship with Christ <<

>> Dive more into God’s Word with Sports Spectrum through the YouVersion Bible App <<

If you want to submit a devotional, please electronic mail all submissions to

devotionals@sportsspectrum.com