Prepare to Sink

 “Do not waste time…Instead, train yourself to be godly.” -- 1 Timothy 4:7

Navy SEAL training is known as one of the toughest in all of the world. The training is physically, mentally, and emotionally challenging.  SEALS that make it through the training will tell you as physical and emotional as it is, the intensity of  their preparation is the key to finishing. A key motto for Navy SEALS is “when under pressure, you don’t rise to the occasion, you sink to the level of your training.” As officials, the concept is the same.  In last week’s devotion, an often stated motto used by officials was mentioned--“start perfect, and get better.”  Each game, we start perfect. The question is, do we sink or how far do we sink during the game when we face difficult calls or questioning from the coaches?  As officials, when our preparation is not as exceptional as it should be, we often see missed opportunities for a well-officiated game. When our preparation is focused and intense, we better  handle the challenges we face.  There’s an old saying that most athletes believe, and probably officials--“flip the switch” meaning we perform once the “lights turn on.”  In reality, individually and as a crew, we function to the degree of our preparation.  We should not wait until game time to “flip the switch.”

Two truths Jesus provided to prepare for life challenges:

1. “You will face many trials and sorrows...” (John 16:33a): Put away false belief of prosperity. No person avoids trouble very long. Officials face peaks and valleys before, during, and after games.  In times when setbacks and issues occur, we sink to the level of our training. Although we hope we can handle any situation that we face on and off the field, the better our preparation, the more likely a positive result--the less we sink.

2.  “...but take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (John 16: 33b):  Jesus states he has overcome the world (mocking by enemies, betrayal by followers) and offers to prepare us for whatever trials we face. These words are to encourage and embolden us. In that same context, the better trained and prepared we are to officiate, the more confident we can be to navigate the difficult game-time situations we face.

Individually and as crews, how we prepare looks different.  However, the one area preparation should be similar for all officials is INTENSITY.  Are we just going through the motions each week in our preparation or are we laser-focused on what we need to do individually and as a crew?

Am I preparing or pretending?

“Lord, train me. Use the everyday, normal circumstances to prepare me for trials. Remind me of Your presence today. Amen.”

Credit:  www.fcaresources.com