26 The king said in reply to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to tell me the dream I had and its interpretation?” 27 Daniel answered the king: “No wise man, medium, divinerpriest, or astrologer is able to make known to the king the mystery he asked about. 28 But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and He has let the King Nebuchadnezzar know what will happen in the last day.” Daniel 2:26-28
As a competitor, it is hard to give glory where glory is due, when others deserve it more than we do. Training, discipline, perseverance, and drive are all characteristics that can propel an athlete to the next level, making good athletes into great athletes.
But often after achieving a goal, we feel that it is our hard work that got us to that point. The praise, honor, and glory are focused on us as individual athletes.
Part of FCA’s Competitor’s Creed states:
“I do not trust in myself.
I do not boast in my abilities
or believe in my own strength.
I rely solely on the power of God.
I compete for the pleasure of
my Heavenly Father, the honor of Christ
and the reputation of the Holy Spirit.”
Bottom line: the results of my efforts must result in His glory. To accept it for myself would be to rob God of His glory. Daniel had the perfect chance to take the glory from God the King, but he chose to give it to Him instead.
2 Corinthians 5:1-10
Lord, it is difficult for me to give You all the glory. Please forgive me for taking the credit so many times when my athletic accomplishments should be a fragrant offering to You. In my next competition, help me to understand that the results of my efforts must result in Your glory. Amen.
