“Without guidance, people fall, but with many counselors there is deliverance.”
– Proverbs 11:14 (Holman Christian Standard)

I didn’t notice it when I took the picture, but now it’s the first thing I see.  At a recent FCA Team Football Camp, these two teams had just completed an intense and competitive 7 on 7 session. It was hot and humid, but tradition calls for teams to gather and pray together before moving on to the next game. Two teams, different in many ways, but with one common goal: “to see the world impacted for Jesus Christ, through the influence of athletes and coaches”. The person that captured my attention was the smallest guy on the field and the only one who wasn’t part of the competition. Without even realizing it, these athletes and coaches were guiding this young boy toward Jesus. With his hand firmly placed on his dad’s back, this child was also connecting with his Heavenly Father.

God’s Word tells us that without proper guidance, trouble will be our constant companion. On the flip-side, there is safety in having good counselors who exercise sound judgment. As athletes and coaches many eyes are directed our way. This famous poem says it well, “There’s a wide-eyed little boy who believes you’re always right; and his eyes are always opened, and he watches day and night. You are setting an example every day in what you do; for the little boy who’s waiting to grow up to be like you.”

Father God, thank You for Your guidance in my life. Help me to remember the influence I have on others. Teach me to live out my life in such a way that others will know You. Amen.