Daily Power #138

So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Heb. 13:6 ESV)

After I became a Christian in college, I remained on the tennis team and promised God that I would use the sport to represent him in any and every way possible. The following season, I went undefeated—which was hard to believe after struggling my first year to stay on the team. I was a decent player, but God (and some hard work) made me a better one.

At the end of that year, the college had this big sports awards ceremony. I had just met Amy so I invited her to go, and my parents had been invited so I knew I must be getting some award. But what I didn’t expect was to be named Athlete of the Year, the school’s most prestigious athletic honor.

When I walked to the podium to accept the award, the presenter asked if I wanted to say a few words. Immediately I remembered my promise to God, grabbed the microphone, and preached my first sermon. It had something like 73 points as I rambled for a good ten minutes. But it didn’t matter because my heart was open and God shone through.

Closing my little impromptu sermon, I became mortified at what I’d just done. So imagine how shocked I was when everyone in the banquet room gave me a standing ovation! When I returned to my seat, I passed another athlete who extended his hand to shake. “That’s the boldest thing that I’ve ever seen in my entire life!” I thanked him, well aware that it was all God.

His same power is available to you. Right now, today.

Power Lift

Dear God, take me out of my comfort zone and give me your boldness and power. Help me grow in faith so others can know you.