Courage to Face the Challenge: 1 Chronicles 28:20
Scripture: “Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord God, my God, is with you.” — 1 Chronicles 28:20
In sports, there are moments that require courage—whether it’s taking the last shot, facing a tough opponent, or rising from a setback. But courage isn’t just for big, flashy moments; it’s about showing up, giving your best, and pushing forward even when things feel impossible. When I walked on to the basketball team at ORU, I had to find courage every day. As a walk-on, I knew the odds weren’t in my favor, and I wasn’t guaranteed playing time, recognition, or a starting position. Every practice was a choice to compete, work harder, and prove myself.
1 Chronicles 28:20 speaks to this kind of courage. David encouraged Solomon to “be strong and courageous” for a huge task—building the temple. Solomon didn’t have a blueprint for what lay ahead, just as I didn’t as a walk-on. I learned that courage isn’t about being unafraid; it’s about leaning into the work and trusting that God is with you. God’s presence gave me the strength to push harder each day, and over time, that effort paid off as I was eventually named captain. Looking back, it was about more than earning a title; it was about letting God’s strength carry me through.
Reflection Questions:
What challenge am I facing in my sport where I need to show courage?
In what ways can I rely on God’s presence to help me push past my doubts?
How can my effort and perseverance inspire others around me?
Prayer:
God, thank You for being with me in every challenge I face. Help me to lean on Your strength, especially when things feel uncertain. Give me courage to put in the hard work, push past my doubts, and honor You with my effort. Let my perseverance be a reflection of my faith in You, and may I inspire others to do the same. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
