Off-Season Training

“All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17

The temperature has been over 100 degrees a record 51 times already this year.  This summer will probably go down as the hottest ever.  Nowadays, summer workouts take place in most Texas towns – for those getting ready for Friday nights in the fall.  When coaching football, the heat comes with the territory.  It was several degrees over 100 a couple of years ago one summer evening.  Golden sunshine tinted the trees and shadows lengthened, as a lone runner caught my eye.  He looked like one of the players on my football team.  He had already worked out earlier that day – what was he doing running now?

With football season still a couple of months away – his dedication to training impressed me.  Training this way in-season is common.  Training this way in the off-season is not as common.  There are so many distractions and other things to do that take precedent over working out for teenagers.  And yet the off-season warriors consistently push themselves to their personal best, out performing those who begin training in-season.  Readiness characterizes these highly trained athletes.  They are ready at a moment’s notice to face the next opponent.  Seldom surprised, they move with grace and confidence.  Their discipline pays off when needed most.  

I’ve watched this same principle lived out in the lives of godly men and women I’ve known.  They apply themselves to spiritual training, are committed to learning God’s Word, and pursue a life of faith.  Day in and day out, they discipline their minds and hearts to stay in alignment with the truth.  They strengthen their devotion to Christ in spite of circumstances.  They take false thoughts captive.  Then, when they least expect it, their training is called into action.  There’s usually no warning.  It’s a phone call, a medical test, an email, etc.  In an instant, their “opponent” is raging.  Fear, grief and despair threaten.  But they aren’t overwhelmed.  Shaken?  Maybe.  But not devastated.

These past few years I’ve faced events that have shaken me – same as a lot of you.  From losing a bunch of money to an unsettled job situation to death – life has rocked me a few times.  I’ve faced things I never thought I would face, and no one gave me a map to navigate the details of these circumstances.  In the darkness of these times, I’ve held on to what I know to be true in the light.  When my flesh wanted to panic and run screaming, God’s truth told me He will provide.  When I wanted to freak out about making mistakes, God’s wisdom reminded me that everyone sins.  Without training, I’d have collapsed on the floor in a confused puddle of fear.  

Being a person of faith is easy when life is smooth.  It’s easy to love others, be a good steward and make wise decisions when everything is going great.  It’s when there’s no warning and a storm hits that we need to be well-trained.  No one can do this for us.  We are the only ones who can study God’s word.  We are the only ones who can push through a dry season and spend time in prayer.  We do this in-season (when circumstances are rough) and off-season (when circumstances are smooth), so that when the battles of life strike, we are ready.

The good news is you can start your training today.  In fact, you already have by reading this blog.  Take time to read the Bible.  Pray and ask God what He wants you to learn.  Ponder the truths you find and let them burrow in to your heart.  Each time you do this, you’ll be stronger.  And when you face a battle, this discipline and training will pay off in peace, confidence, and joy in spite of your circumstances.

Father – I praise You as the source of all truth.  Help me to have the discipline to read and study the Bible on my own, so that I’m ready when faced with trouble.  I ask for more of your wisdom and discernment to build my life on a solid foundation.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Casey Dacus

Graham, TX