"I know that he's a competitor. I know that he does it the right way, and I have respect for him to that degree. But I'm not going to sit here and pretend like this isn't personal between us. There's a lot at stake." That is head wrestling coach Tom Brands from Iowa referring to his counterpart from Iowa State, Cael Sanderson, prior to their December 3, 2006, duel meet. Both coaches are in their first year at schools where they each became wrestling legends and won multiple NCAA championships. This was no ordinary duel meet, and it lived up to the hype with Iowa winning 24-6 with seven matches decided by two-points or less.

 

The word "awesome" is used to describe so much in sports today. "Did you see that awesome catch?" "Did you see his awesome dunk?" "That home run was awesome!" And let's not forget the words of the modern-day philosopher Tommy Boy, "That was awesome." I looked this word up in the Urban Dictionary. It defines awesome as being "totally cool." It is what is called a "sticking plaster" word, which is something used by Americans to cover over the huge gaps in our vocabulary. It is one of the three words that make up most American sentences. And in sports today, that is definitely the case. Everything great is awesome.

 

All competitors face pressure-packed situations, but often the difference between the good and the great is displayed in how one handles the pressure. University of Tennessee women's basketball star Candace Parker was voted the ESPN.com preseason player of the year partly because of her ability to thrive under pressure. "What impresses me is how well Parker handles pressure, seems unfazed by what's happening around her and wants the ball in key situations," said ESPN analyst Beth Mowins. Adds Parker's coach, the great Pat Summitt, "Candace Parker has a chance to be the best to ever play this game. And if she isn't, I'll be very disappointed." How's that for pressure?

 

Offensive lineman Olin Kreutz began his career with the Chicago Bears and now, thanks to a contract extension through 2010, will end it with them. Kreutz turned down an opportunity to make more money with the Miami Dolphins in 2002 to stay with the Bears. "Not only has he been a good football player, he's been a very loyal player, and I also told Olin this: 'Loyalty is a two-way street.' I wanted to make sure he saw that first hand from our perspective," said Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo.

 

Recently, I was making an early morning drive to speak at a Huddle meeting. As I was driving along I realized that I was the only car going in my direction. Hundreds of cars were going the other way. Why was I the only one going my way? I knew the route, so I knew I was on the right road, so I couldn't help but wonder why no one else was traveling my direction.

 

In God's Word, we read many references to "the way." Isaiah wrote of such a road that is less traveled. It was the highway to holiness. Many were headed down the wrong path or way -- not so uncommon to our society today. In John 14, Thomas asked Jesus about the way to go with Him, but Christ answered simply, "I AM the way. . ." 

 

As we stood at the starting line for this year's Chicago Marathon, every runner knew that the day would be vastly different than other autumn days. Not only did we need to run the 26.2 miles ahead of us, but we would need to do so while the temperature was expected to be in the 80's with high humidity. It would truly be a test of endurance.

 

Many of my friends find their identity in sports. Others, like myself, find their identity in how well they do in school. I know others who base who they are in what they do, how they look, or who likes them and who doesn't. The point is, we all build our lives on something. We all have something that matters to us more than anything else and defines who we are. And while God intends for friends, hobbies, possessions and abilities to provide us with enjoyment, we should not let them become the foundation of our identity and happiness. 

 

Not long ago, Mike Tyson resurfaced in the news. He had begun fighting and training once again, and large crowds were gathering just to see him practice. Tyson has been out of the ring for some time, and reporters were airing past clips and interviews with him. One thing he said in a past interview that had been filmed after a loss really struck me. With sweat dripping off his face, Tyson responded to a reporter's question about what would happen to him next, "I don't know, maybe fade into oblivion."

 

Tyson, the one-time world champion, whose name is known all over the world, stated after a defeat that he would just fade away.

 

As players and coaches we all know that we will face various tribulations when dealing with athletics. They can be injuries, losses in key games, or other outside events that come unexpectedly. But how do we react when these tribulations occur?

 

Paul says he exults, rejoices, even boasts in them, instead of murmuring and complaining. As we look at the role of afflictions in the Christian life, lets keep in mind that they are tests of our faith. Anything that makes life harder and threatens our faith in the goodness, power and wisdom of God is a tribulation.

 

Have you ever been overlooked by a coach or lost your job because of your faith? What about being rejected by your family? Sometimes being a Christian will get you labeled as "soft" by others. This is especially true in the pro sports world. An NBA coach once said that two things have ruined pro basketball and the players who play it: golf and religion. While others may not outwardly say it, many people feel the same way about Christians who strive to live their faith in the workplace. Whatever it is you do, if you are a Christian, be prepared to suffer in some way.