In October, we talked about what it means to Trust the Mission. We focused on what it looks like to fully embrace what God has called you to do.
This month, we dig into what it looks like to Prepare for the Mission through prayer, Bible reading and Christian fellowship.
All good teams do it. All great athletes, too. So do coaches and their staff.
Preparation.
This is often the small step that makes a huge difference in the outcome of a game, season or tournament. They’ve spent hours and energy getting ready for the big game, getting better at their sport to peak at just the right time. Those who have prepared with diligence are best ready to face the challenge of competition.
This one word is a great starting point to focus where we’re headed with the mission God has given us. We’re stepping up to our calling and ready to let God lead, but what’s our part in preparation before we go?
As God entrusts us with our mission, He equips us with what we need. But we need to be alert and allow God to form us for His work. While we wait for His timing and direction for our mission, we pay attention to what He’s doing around us and make ourselves available for deeper spiritual growth. We get back to the basics and ace the fundamental training until God says, “Go.”
For fundamental training, there are three aspects of focus that will keep us grounded in God. Let’s look at what they mean for our lives.
Communion: Prayer
Nothing is more important than our personal relationship with God. When we spend time with Him in prayer, we strengthen our relationship with Him, find rest in His presence and learn to listen for His voice. God longs for intimacy with us and having ongoing conversation is a natural way to know His heart and for Him to speak into ours. When we know God’s voice, we lean in close and hear what He wants to tell us about His love for us, His care for others and His plan for the world. Time with God in prayer strengthens our spirit and gives us the sustenance we need go to through the day.
“Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” (Ephesians 6:18)
Comprehension: Bible Reading
God’s Word is our anchor point as we hold to His character and promises throughout Scripture. Before we can minister to others, we first must be able to minister to ourselves. This means carving time out of our day to meet with the Lord, dig into His Word and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what He wants us to know about God and how we can live like His Son. The more we take God’s Word into our own lives, the more we trust God’s presence in our lives and exhibit God’s image to those around us.
Nothing is more important than our personal relationship with God.
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
Connection: Fellowship
It takes a community of people to live out the love of God. He desires us in fellowship with one another, giving our time, resources and care in regular community living. Community is where we encourage each other, point each other to what God says in His Word and provide hard truths when we need correction. We build one another up and point out spiritual gifts and talents, while lifting prayer requests up to God on behalf of someone else. We are stronger together, and the more we lean on the wisdom of others, the more we experience God in different ways.
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
When we master the fundamentals and prepare our heart and spirit for the mission ahead, God is gracious to meet us where we are and train us up in His wisdom and guidance. We learn, wait and obey as He leads. If we set ourselves up strong in His statutes beforehand, when God takes us off the bench and into the game, we already know the play and can run it well.
Run your mission. Prepare well with God and strengthen your spiritual core to run long and hard when it’s time.
Consider: Where does God want you to focus today: in prayer, His Word or your spiritual community?
Action: Commit to spending time each day in prayer, studying the Bible and talking with someone who can lead you closer to Jesus.
This quarter, we’re exploring what it means to Pursue Mission. This month, our focus is on how to Prepare for the Mission. Join us as we journey through this exploration and Commit to the Mission next month.
One way to actively Pursue Mission is to get involved with FCA. Whether it’s volunteering as a Huddle leader or character coach, or committing to our team and coming on staff, we have a place for you to serve and disciple coaches and athletes. Get involved!
*If you read this article and aren’t in relationship with Christ yet but would like to know more, we invite you to go through FCA’s The FOUR that explains how an everlasting and fulfilling life with God is possible.
Other Pursue Articles:
Read previous months' articles:
January: Imperative: Read The Truth
February: Connected: Pray The Truth
March: Accountable: Reach For Truth
April: Be Honest: Open Your Heart
May: Be Intentional: Examine Your Heart
June: It’s Time: Surrender Your Heart
July: Take Assessment: Evaluate the Team
August: Do The Work: Draft the Team
September: What It’s Worth: Commit to the Team
October: Embrace Your Call: Trust the Mission
-FCA-
Photo courtesy of Unsplash