Paul was a sport's guy. He love to talk about Christianity in athletic  terms.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25 (NIRV)

24 In a race all the runners run. But only one gets the prize.

You know that, don’t you? So run in a way that will get you the prize.

25 All who take part in the games train hard. They do it to get a crown that will not last.

But we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

You come sit in the right seat. You act the part, but do you make a difference? I want you to make a difference.

If we want all or nothing, why would you think that God is any different? He wants you all in.

James 1:6 (NIRV)

6 But when you ask, you must believe (in Him).

You must not doubt (Him).

That’s because a person who doubts (Him) is like a wave of the sea.

The wind blows and tosses them around (by circumstances).

Mark 12:30  (NIRV)

30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

Love him with all your mind and with all your strength.’

1. Don't let your past hold you back.

We don't go all in because our past stops us. All the bad stuff is kept in a metal cabinet. All the good stuff is kept in another one. The one that you refer to the most defines you.

You can either run from your past or learn from it.

Proverbs 24:16 (NIRV)

16 Even if godly people fall down seven times, they always get up.

  But those who are evil trip and fall when trouble comes.

You never know when God's going to give you a great opportunity.

Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIRV)

18 “Forget the things that happened in the past.

    Do not keep on thinking about them.
19

I am about to do something new.

    It is beginning to happen even now.

    Don’t you see it coming?

I am going to make a way for you to go through the desert.

    I will make streams of water in the dry and empty land.

God is the designer of the game. If you'll just get in the game, you'll win.

God will take his strength, and put it into your effort to do something great in your life.

2. Our perceived purpose...It's what you think is your purpose, but have never talk to God about it.

We sometimes get what we're going after, but it's not what you thought it would be.

You've got to let your dream die, so God's dream for you will live.

3. Our unexplained pain... Why did God allow it to happen? No matter what pain that you've walk through. God has not forgotten you.

Isaiah 49:13-16 (NIRV)

13 Shout for joy, you heavens!
    Be glad, you earth!
    Burst into song, you mountains!

The Lord will comfort his people.
    He will show his tender love to those who are suffering.

14 But the city of Zion said, “The Lord has deserted me.
    The Lord has forgotten me.”

15 The Lord answers, “Can a mother forget the baby
    who is nursing at her breast?

Can she stop having tender love
    for the child who was born to her?

She might forget her child.
    But I will not forget you.
16 I have written your name on the palms of my hands.

    Your walls are never out of my sight.

God has not forgotten you. I wish that I could explain your pain, but I can't.

John 16:33  (NIRV) Jesus speaking...

33 “I have told you these things, so that you can have peace because of me.

In this world you will have trouble. But be encouraged! I have won the battle over the world.”

1 John 4:4 B  (NIRV)

4 Dear children, you belong to God... The one who is in you is powerful. He is more powerful than the one who is in the world.

Have you been held back by your past?

Have you been put off because of your perceive purpose?

Have you felt forgotten because of your pain?

Maybe this needs to happen today. You need to put your faith in God completely. Maybe you are far from Him. Tell Him I want to come home today.

Dear Jesus, you are my only hope. Forgive me for my past. Give to me your purpose. I make you my Lord and Savior.

Notes taken from Jeremy Foster, Hope City Church

https://hopecity.com/sermons/game-day-get-game/

Eyes Open?