And then there were four.
The Women’s World Cup is nearing its completion, with the throne of women’s soccer now up for grabs by the United States, England, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
Making the top of the headlines is not only the upcoming marquee matches but also the confidence of the American players which some are classifying as cockiness.
As the reigning champions who have won three World Cups and defeated their opponents by an average of four goals in this year’s tournament, team USA is the most successful in history.
In response to criticism of cockiness, USA team captain Megan Rapinoe said, “If you’re at this stage in the tournament and you’re not trying to win the World Cup, I don’t know what you’re doing here. Every team should feel like that. Every team that qualified for the World Cup should feel like that. Certainly, the biggest teams in the game.”
This mentality perfectly sums up the confidence of the American players. They understand they’ve been qualified to play at the highest level of women’s soccer and compete on the biggest stage, so why let fear and worry creep in now?
Playing to win with no thoughts of losing is exactly how followers of Jesus should live each day. We’ve been qualified by the blood of Christ to live and work for Him, and have been given the Holy Spirit to guide us through the “tournament of life” as we face contests and matches with the sin and suffering of this world.
Unfortunately, we don’t always live with a winning mentality. Instead, we live fearfully, hopelessly, and with no confidence in the One who rescued us from our sin.
A common example of this is when followers of Jesus feel trapped by a particular sin. It feels like no matter what we do, we cannot escape the overwhelming power of temptation.
But we can be encouraged by the words written in Hebrews 4:16 (NIV) when we’re told to “…approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Another illustration is when followers of Jesus feel crushed by the weight of suffering. However, scripture calls us to not only reject the despair that suffering can cause but also to seek joy:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” (James 1: 2-4; NIV).
How incredible that followers of Jesus are actually called to be filled with joy in the midst of suffering. Only the goodness of the God we serve could make that a reality.
So, as we make our way through life, let’s remember to confidently follow Jesus with a winning mentality. Let’s reject fear and worry, and remember that we have been qualified because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. There is true power in that!
I’m Luke Heaton, and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Lord, thank you for qualifying me by the perfect blood of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Allow me to draw confidence in Your grace and mercy that overflow onto me. Let me reject worry and fear as I confidently seek Your presence. Help me to live with a winning mentality and seek joy amidst the suffering and sin in this world. You are so good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Discussion Questions for PACKS:
- Where are some areas in your life that you lack confidence in God?
- What sin, temptations, and sufferings feel hopeless to escape from?
- Where is the easiest place to find confidence in God? Where is the hardest?
