"Winning isn't everything; it's the only thing."
Anxiety
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6Have you ever approached a competition filled with worry and apprehension because you didn't know if you would be successful? Have you ever faced an opponent who seemed unbeatable and wondered who could possibly be concerned for your feelings? The Bible speaks of one who knows your worries very well and is doing something about them.
In sport we all have anxiety about things like injury, competing to our potential, not letting our family, coach or team down. Even Paul was not immune from anxiety about practical matters. Writing about Epaphroditus he says, “I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety”. (Philippians 4:28)
The exciting part of this verse is the promise that we can take all that anxiety and give it to the Lord. We can take all of life's worries to Him and rest in the assurance of His real and active care for us.
There is another very encouraging verse: Cast all your anxiety upon Him because He cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7
Today as you prepare to compete, take a moment to pray and to cast all your cares, anxieties, worries and doubts upon the Lord. He genuinely cares for you and is more than able to work in your behalf. Let the assurance of His care and provision for you lead to you competing with great confidence and power.