We’re captivated by champions, aren’t we? Thinkers, achievers, risk-takers, dreamers. Millions tune into the Olympics, inspired as athletes run faster, jump further, and swim harder, breaking records and pushing the limits of human potential. There’s an undeniable connection we feel in their moment of victory – the culmination of years, even decades, of focused preparation for a single race, jump, or swim. We cheer, we cry, we feel every triumph and defeat as if we were right there.
But what about our moments? Not necessarily Olympic podiums or marathon finish lines (though maybe those too!), but the everyday, life-altering moments that demand our very best?
- The moment your teenager walks in and says, “Mom, I messed up.”
- The moment a doctor’s report leaves you stunned and reeling.
- The moment that dream job offer finally lands in your inbox.
- The moment an unexpected call changes everything.
- The moment you realize you’re living a dream you once thought impossible.
These are our races, our defining moments. An Olympic athlete wouldn’t dream of showing up unprepared. They dedicate everything – diet, sleep, training, coaching – to be ready. Doesn’t it make sense that we should also prepare for the moments that truly shape our lives and the lives of those we love?
The good news is, we can prepare. We don’t have to simply hope we’ll react the right way, say the right thing, or have the strength we need when the time comes. We can build daily habits and make decisions today that equip us for whatever lies ahead – the greatest challenges and the greatest opportunities.
Think about parenting. We don’t just hope to be good parents. We read, we learn from others, we seek wisdom (perhaps in God’s Word), and we ask for daily strength. Preparing for life’s other moments requires a similar intentionality. It requires investment: time, focus, dedication, planning, preparation, and sacrifice.
So, how do we train like champions for life? It starts with where we place our focus.
1. Focus on God: He’s Already Focused on You
Long before the world began, God had you in mind, settling on you as the focus of His love (Ephesians 1:4). When we intentionally turn our focus back to Him, everything changes. Why?
- He created you and knows exactly how He equipped you for your life, including raising your children.
- He knows you better than anyone – your joys, hurts, strengths, and weaknesses.
- He has an amazing plan for your life and knows your future.
Focusing on God isn’t always easy. Life is busy! The keys are lost, the science project is due, work emails demand attention, bills pile up, distractions beckon (hello, Instagram!), and maybe the dog just got sick on the rug. If we’re going to focus on God consistently, it needs to become a habit. Maybe it’s waking up earlier, laying out your Bible the night before, or finding pockets of time during your commute. Find what works, but make it a priority. Settle your focus on Him, because He has already settled His love on you.
2. Tell God How Great He Is: Worship Over Worry
It’s easy to get caught in the whirlwind of life, focusing only on our problems. That’s called worry. Worship is the antidote. Worship isn’t just singing on Sunday; it’s intentionally shifting our focus to God’s greatness, power, glory, victory, and majesty (1 Chronicles 29:11). When we rehearse God’s goodness and faithfulness, our worries shrink. Worship lightens our load because we remember He is good at being God, and we can surrender everything – the good, the bad, the ugly – into His capable hands. He meets the worshiper.
3. Talk to God About What You Need: Prayer as Your First Resort
How often do we complain to everyone else before we finally bring our needs to God? Let Him be your first line of defense, not your last resort. Prayer is simply talking to God – a conversation, a relationship with the One who knows you best and cares for you most. He’s the friend who will never leave or forsake you, the one you can pour out all your cares, worries, and insecurities to, knowing He holds them safe.
Don’t worry; pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for what He’s done (Philippians 4:6-7). Keep asking, keep seeking, keep knocking (Matthew 7:7). Don’t give up too soon – God’s timing is perfect, and He honours persistent faith. Show up consistently in prayer.
4. Trust God and Take the Next Step: Activate Your Faith
Focusing on God often involves trusting Him enough to take the next step He’s showing you, even when it takes you out of your comfort zone. Living by common sense alone makes us common; trusting God leads to an extraordinary life. It requires faith, trust, and action (Proverbs 3:5-6). Faith is often motion-activated – when you move, God moves.
It’s easy to get bogged down by past mistakes, but champions learn from the past; they don’t live there. Forget what is behind and strain toward what is ahead, pressing on toward the goal (Philippians 3:13-14). What’s the next step God is prompting you to take? Write it down, pray over it, plan for it, and prepare for it.
You’re Cheered On By Imperfect Heroes
Thinking about “champions” and “heroes” might feel intimidating. Maybe you feel far from perfect. Guess what? So were the heroes of faith we read about in the Bible! Abraham ran ahead of God. Peter often said the wrong thing. David made devastating mistakes. They were ordinary, imperfect people serving an extraordinary, perfect God.
Hebrews 12 paints a picture of these heroes in the great cloud of witnesses, cheering us on as we run our race. When you stumble, picture Peter saying, “Been there, done that! Keep going!” When you get ahead of God, imagine Abraham yelling, “Don’t give up!” When you feel ashamed of sin, hear David encouraging you, “Run the race, never give up!” God uses imperfect people who rely on His forgiveness and strength.
Run Your Race to Win
Especially for moms, the desire to be a champion at home is strong. You take motherhood seriously. The single greatest gift you can give your family is your authentic, growing relationship with God. Build these habits – focusing on Him, worshiping Him, talking to Him, trusting Him – into your life.
Like athletes, we might have false starts, setbacks, or injuries. But champions keep preparing, keep showing up, keep running their race. Let’s commit to being ready for life’s moments, living like champions through the journey of motherhood, pointing our children to Jesus – our source, guide, comforter, and friend. We aren’t training for a crown that will fade, but one that lasts forever (1 Corinthians 9:25). Run your race to win, faithful to the finish!
📆 Ready to connect with other women running the race? Join us for our Ladies’ Night Out on May 30th! Let’s learn together how to make lemonade when life gives us lemons.
