As important as it is for an athlete to possess physical skills in order to succeed in competition, it is equally as important that an athlete possess the mental fortitude to recover from mistakes and failures.

Mistakes, errors, and losses are a part of competing in sports. Everybody experiences bad moments when they do not perform at their highest level of potential.

Since these mistakes are bound to happen to everyone, one of the most important skills that an athlete can cultivate is the ability to keep one mistake from spiraling out of control to become a multitude of errors.

Simply put, athletes need the ability to bounce back.

Just as in sports, the ability to bounce back, respond well to adversity, and recover from mistakes is important as we follow Jesus.

We know we’re not perfect and that we make mistakes as we seek to honor the Lord. However, as we cling to Christ, we can have a great “bounce back rate.”

Proverbs 24:16 (NLT) encourages us with these words: “The godly may trip seven times, but they will get up again. But one disaster is enough to overthrow the wicked.”

We will struggle or slip up at some point, but the key is to respond well and not unravel. We can recover, remain confident, maintain steadiness, be at peace, and be focused because we’re already a champion in Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57 (NIV) says, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Proverbs 3:26 (AMP) explains, “For the Lord will be your confidence, firm and strong, And will keep your foot from being caught [in a trap].”

When we walk with Jesus and abide in Him, He will help us overcome our shame, regret, and negative thoughts and remind us of His grace and love.

As we remember what Jesus did on the cross for us and the eternal life we have in Him, we don’t have to let adversity cause us to spiral down or allow sins to compound, but rather we can bounce back, repent, and respond well as we rely on God.

Psalm 37:23-24 (AMP) tells us, “The steps of a [good and righteous] man are directed and established by the Lord, And He delights in his way [and blesses his path]. When he falls, he will not be hurled down, Because the Lord is the One who holds his hand and sustains him.”

Reflect: In what ways have you previously struggled to bounce back from past sins? How does focusing on the victory we have in Jesus help us to better avoid sins and mistakes moving forward?

A prayer to consider: Heavenly Father, please help me to bounce back in repentance as my confidence is in Jesus. I confess my mistakes and sins. I pray I wouldn’t allow shame to derail me so I unravel and head down a path of more sin. I thank You for being the One who holds my hand, sustains me, and gives me the ability to respond well to adversity. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Bryce Johnson is the president/founder of UNPACKIN’ it Ministries and host of the UNPACKIN’ it Podcast. Go to: unpackinit.com.