"I love the sense of satisfaction that I get when I’ve done a swimming workout or race, and know that I gave my whole being and heart to God in every moment of the swim. It’s the best worship I can offer him."
God made it all
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth; and God saw all that he had made and it was very good. Genesis 1:1, 31
Do you ever wonder where the world came from? The Bible tells us that God made it. Now, we do not need to discuss evolution etc. - we are not thinking of the process here. But the Bible says that God is the architect of the world, the creative power behind it.
So did God create football? The answer is yes and no! Of course God did not create sport - people did. It wasn't God who made the first ball and started kicking it. God did not create the games we play. Yet it was God who created people and made them able to run, jump, kick and catch. Sport is simply organized play in which we can use these talents that God has given us.
Genesis is the first book of the Bible and contains a magnificent account of the creation of the world. God is the creator of every single thing in his world, which the story pronounces over and over again "was good". This writing is meant to evoke praise and awe! If we understand this our attitude to God will be transformed. We will realise that we must worship in all things and at all times.
As you play in the biggest football tournament in the world, remember that it is God who gave you the ability to play football and thank him for it!