HE SHOOTS! HE SCORES! HE WINS THE GAME! One of the greatest moments in soccer is when you score a goal. For many athletes, it is the most important part of the game. Winning feels great, but for me, winning isn't the only thing that matters. Ever since I began playing competitive soccer in middle school, I have loved thinking about what it truly means to compete from a spiritual standpoint.
Sometimes, competition is viewed from a survival-of-the-fittest mentality and the notion that in order to compete one needs to have a cutthroat attitude and do whatever necessary to win. At times, competition may lead people to mentally and verbally degrade the other team, get hyped up on energy drinks, or even consume steroids, to find an edge to win the game. But I've found that if I look at competition from only this point of view, it can be intimidating to even step onto the field.
Though competition may present some daunting situations, for me, it's all about breaking limitation. I have found that the best way to overcome limitations—or fear—is to know that God is the only power and presence on the field and that I naturally express His limitless nature. Whenever I feel anxious, I know that the only thing I need to be doing on the soccer field is reflecting what God is doing. This helps me let go of expectations or opinions and focus on my relationship with God. Sometimes before a game, I'll turn to Bible passages for inspiration. One passage I've found meaning in is, "The Lord your God which goeth before you, he shall fight for you" (Deut. 1:30). This passage has been helpful in reminding me of God's presence before and during games. It also reminds me that the soccer field represents never-ending opportunities for good and that I can be expectant of progress during any game.
