But we are not those who back down and are destroyed, but those who have faith and obtain life. – Hebrews 10:39 (Holman Christian Standard) There is something special about athletes and teams who refuse to quit. What is it that motivates them and drives them to keep going despite the odds?

I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well-fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. Philippians 4:12 (Holman Christian Standard) The line between being a champion or a chump is very thin.

Then He said to them all, “If anyone wants to come with Me, he must deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me.” – Luke 9:23 (Holman Christian Standard) I am amazed at how sports have become ingrained in our everyday lives. We are never more than a few seconds away from the hot topics of the day. ESPN, team websites, blogs, and around-the-clock sports talk keep us connected to the never ending stream of information on teams, players and coaches.

Lord, how long will You continually forget me? How long will You hide Your face from me? – Psalm 13:1 As coaches, we have all watched helplessly as gifted athletes suddenly go into a “funk” and can’t hit a baseball, make a foul shot or sink a putt.

“Lord, hear my prayer. In Your faithfulness listen to my plea, and in Your righteousness answer me.” – Psalm 143:1 (Holman Christian Standard) The text comes as regular as rain. It always reads the same and I instantly know the source.

“You ask and don’t receive because you ask wrongly, so that you may spend it on your desires for pleasure.” – James 4:3 (Holman Christian Standard) It was another important game and as the team took the field, I asked the coach if there was anything I could do for him. His answer was quick and to the point, “PRAY”! As we headed for the sideline to get ready for the opening kickoff, I assured him I would not only pray, but I would pray without ceasing.

“But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” – James 1:22 (Holman Christian Standard) In the world of sport, thinking too highly of yourself is a dangerous road to travel. It’s an easy trap for athletes and teams to fall into. The media and fans often go over the top in their efforts to build up a particular game, player or team.

So if you’re serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ  presides. Don’t shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you.

Devote yourselves to prayer, stay alert in it with thanksgiving. – Colossians 4:2 (Holman Christian Standard) Nike’s “Just Do It” slogan recently celebrated its 25th anniversary and will be remembered as one of the greatest taglines in advertising history. The slogan cut across every demographic line and attracted attention in ways that company leaders never imagined.

“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” – Psalms118:24 (Holman Christian Standard) The game of football has changed over the years. The smash-mouth, grind it out style has been replaced by gimmicky, hurry-up offenses designed to run as many plays as possible against the opponent. It’s not unusual for today’s high-powered offenses to run 90 to 100 plays in a regulation game.

They were trying to intimidate us into quitting. They thought, “They’ll give up, they’ll never finish it.” I prayed, “Give me strength.”–  Nehemiah 6:9 (The Message) As practice was about to begin, two coaches watched as players came out of the locker room and onto the field. One athlete caught their attention.

“Slaughter the Passover lambs, consecrate yourselves, and make preparations for your brothers to carry out the word of the Lord through Moses.” – 2 Chronicles 35:6 (Holman Christian Standard) “Spectacular achievement is always preceded by unspectacular preparation”. As I watched a group of high school athletes sweating through a demanding summer workout, this quote came to life. A quick glance around the weight room produced no cheering fans, no marching bands and no scoreboard.