In a long past season-opener, the Cleveland Browns played the Seattle Seahawks in their house. It was a Seahawks rout in every phase of the game — passing yards, rushing yards, turnovers and time of possession. Down 0-33 in the fourth quarter, the Browns coach pulled his QB and sent the backup in with stern instructions, “Just don’t let this get any worse!”

I sat next to that backup on the flight home. He was still steamed. He had never played “to not let things get worse.” His mindset was to never retreat, set the tone, fight to the bell.

Most competitive athletes think that way. That is why you are made for times like this. You have always strained and trained to get through barriers, demotions, injuries, failures, disappointments and anything we could label “unfair.” 

Remember the athletic mindset that you have honed over the years. In past difficulties you licked your wounds, got up and went back to work. Athletes have what it takes to break from a mindset of merely waiting around for better days. 

This is a great time to ask God for ways to take your walk with Him to a new level. According to this Scripture, there is ground to be gained during difficult times.  

Maybe the COVID-19 shutdown has already prompted you to take action. If not, begin to think about how you can take a step up in your spiritual life. Each devotional entry this week will focus on things that others have used to deepen their walk with God. 

Two questions that you can ask yourself today:

 * Am I content with the state and direction of my own spiritual life? 

 * What do I want God to do in me during this time of difficulty?

Tom Petersburg  | www.catapultministries.org