It's snowing here today...and there's more in the forecast. As it falls, I'm reminded of a personal pattern: I always seemed to play better when it snowed. Perhaps snow settled my spirit and helped ready me for my missions. Something strong always seemed to follow a good snowfall.

Similarly, we find an oft repeated pattern in scripture, that whenever a man goes on mission for God, God makes the man. He fills him with His spirit. He empowers him and makes him equal to the task. This is His pattern. This is His way.

Athlete, look for the pattern to play out in you as you take bold steps for Him. Operate in confidence that His spirit will accompany and fill you. Look forward, though weak or underqualified as you may feel, to sensing that God has made you for a mission. Through His spirit, it will be fulfilled. He fills men and women He's made for a mission.

Consider lifting up this prayer to God today: LORD, eternal thanks to You for filling and refilling Your people. I see Your pattern and am so grateful. Your Spirit does accompany Your missions. Fill me afresh for Your service. Lead me forth in humility, listening and obedience. I want to keep being made for a mission.