From Chris, Youth Athletics Manager:
“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…” — Romans 8:29a
My experience at Lord’s Gym Ministries began through opportunities to serve others: cleaning the facility, serving food and coffee, and coaching youth football. At the time, my focus was on impacting others and helping people know the love of Christ. I also wanted to see the Price Hill neighborhood flourish. I gave little thought to how God would transform my own life through serving others.
Over the past five years, I have found myself failing at times to maintain the compassion of Christ toward the kids and families in our programs. I have wrestled with frustration toward those unwilling to welcome us into their leagues, maintaining barriers for kids who simply lack the opportunity to play sports in a safe, organized league. Some of my biggest failures have also come through a lack of patience and trust in the Lord — especially in moments when progress toward my vision for our athletics programs felt slow or nonexistent.
During these same five years, I also got married and started a family. Learning how to balance the responsibilities of family and vocation has been one of the greatest challenges of my life. My weaknesses in planning and prioritizing have been exposed in ways that can feel crushing and discouraging at times. Yet in the middle of these struggles, I find comfort in Romans 8:29. God reminds me that He is in the business of conforming His children into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. When I meditate on that truth, I find strength to pick up my cross again, further depend on God’s grace, and embrace the challenges before me.
I am thankful for the ways God has stretched and challenged me both personally and professionally during my time at Lord’s Gym Ministries. May we all be encouraged today that God is able use our present failures, struggles, and challenges to make us more like Jesus.
In His name, Amen.