"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." -Isaiah 43:1-2
Time of Devotion.
We have an opponent other than just who we face on Saturdays. This enemy wants to harass our sons with fear, self-doubt, temptation, division and a whole host of other tricks. Jesus taught us what to do when the enemy comes for us: use Scripture and remind him he has no authority.
This passage in Isaiah reminds all of us who we are, and what that identity means: we are His, and we are redeemed. No matter what has happened that week, what happens on Saturday or what happens in the future, God will be with us as parents and with our sons, and their coaches.
This fall, our family has four student athletes and I am regularly reminding them their identity isn’t in their sport, or their performance. Their identity is as one who has been summoned by name and whatever comes their way: they can trust in Him.
Call to Prayer.
Let’s pray our sons remember who they are and have people in their life who do the same. Let’s ask Him for His protective hand from flames and high rivers and tough games and injury.
Lord, we first say we love and trust you. Thank you for the promise You will never leave us alone. We ask You to come face to face with our sons, remind them of Your presence and calling on their lives. Remind them You will walk through this year and season, this game ad all they experience in it, with them. Thank You for being present. Thank You for calling them by name. We trust you with their bodies and their hearts. And we pray this with all authority as co-heirs with You. Amen
Week Five's "Call to Prayer" was written by Beth Guckenberger. Between biological, foster, and adopted children, Beth and her husband Todd have raised ten children - including the Trojans' #9, senior wide receiver, Evan Guckenberger.