I may or may not be addicted to tennis. I love the competition, fitness, strategy, and social aspects of the sport. A recent study even claims that playing tennis is so healthy for you that it can add up to a decade to your life span. Because it benefits both physical and mental health, consistent play is highly impactful. Honestly, even before knowing the science behind it, I was already all in. I could feel the difference, and I became committed to improving my game. 

The last decade of my life reflects this dedication and diligence to perform at the highest levels my body will allow. I am intentional with my diet to maintain muscle and minimize extra body fat; I work with a coach to further develop my racquet strokes and movement strategies; and I practice frequently, so I can implement new learnings and fine-tune existing capabilities. I recently asked my coach what he thought my three greatest strengths were as it relates to my game. While he began by listing a few tennis skills, he ended with what he thought was my biggest asset. “You always believe you can win a match,” he said while pointing to me. “Coaches can’t teach that. It’s in either in you, or it’s not, and it can make all the difference…even against a stronger athlete.”

He’s right. I do have this mindset, this belief that it’s not over until it’s over. I can keep battling if there’s another point to play. It doesn’t matter if I’m losing. A score deficit doesn’t change my belief. It’s strong, steady, and it often enables me to triumph in the end.

Of course, I don’t win every single time on the tennis court. That’s not realistic! But, more importantly, I will win LIFE because I have an even deeper belief with far more meaning. This powerful belief assures me of much greater victories in Jesus (1 Corinthians 15:57). Through faith in Him, we can defeat sin, death, shame, and Hell (Colossians 2:13-15). He wins every time, and every time, we win with Him! This doesn’t mean life will be perfect and without hardship, of course, but it does assure us that God will never leave or forsake us, and even in the midst of hard things, we can always, always have hope (1 Peter 1:3-6). This earthly life is fleeting and will prove to be a mere grain of sand in comparison to the vast, never-ending beaches of eternity. There, victory will be so complete, it will be more than we can fathom today with our limited minds, but we can rest in knowing we will be wholly fulfilled, thoroughly satisfied, and entirely perfected in Christlikeness (Revelation 21:1-7). Can you just imagine a place with so sin, no pain, and no unmet needs? It is the lasting hope and forever home of every Christian; the very longing of our hearts during this lifetime (Ecclesiastes 3:11).

It can be hard to fathom such nirvana while our world seems to perpetuate chaos. It may feel like a battle to keep our faith strong when so many things are competing for our hearts, souls, and daily attention. The legendary novel, The Screwtape Letters, speaks to the strategy of the enemy, who works hard to keep us busy and distracted; it’s all part of his plan to put distance between us and God. This is an old book, first published in 1942, but its truths are timeless, because, frankly, Satan isn’t nearly as creative as God. He uses the same tricks over and over – deception, distraction, lust, politics, and selfishness, to name a few. We see these things, literally in our faces, every day. And it can feel challenging when we can’t see or touch God or Heaven in the same way. But that’s where faith comes in…

It reminds me of Hebrews 11:1, one of my favorite Bible verses. I particularly like the wording of the New Living Translation, which says, “Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see.” Our faith is the essence and evidence of what we believe; it’s the proof in the pudding, so to speak. As believers, we are the tangible illustration of what it looks like to have eternal hope in the future, to receive God’s unending goodness and grace today, and to be comforted and strengthened by Him during the hardest of times. We know what life was like before Him, and we experience the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (the intimate co-mingling and testifying to our own soul from the Spirit of God) after we place our faith in Jesus. Our lives and potential are forever changed for the better, because the power of God lives within us. He is literally with us, constantly empowering and guiding us; we are no longer on our own. Ever! How reassuring is that?! 

So, do you walk with that confidence? Would someone know you have faith? It’s worth asking yourself, not to shame or embarrass anyone, but because you have been given a life-changing gift! Suppose you won the Lottery…wouldn’t you tell others it’s possible to win? Imagine you dated someone for years, and they finally surprised with you a marriage proposal…don’t you excitedly show off your new ring and encourage your single friends to get out there in the dating pool? As Christians, the Spirit of the Creator and King of Kings resides within us and helps us in countless ways. Do you reflect an extravagant gratitude and a humble disposition for the gift of faith? Do you share the Good News with others around you knowing that salvation is available to all who believe? Does your life radiate the hope of Jesus? Let’s note that Satan believes in Jesus, too, but he works to twist or hide His goodness from others; no doubt, we want to be way more honoring and faithful!

I can tell you I have rattled some opponents on the tennis courts, because they could see that I was going to be relentless, regardless of the circumstances or scores. I can also confess that I have felt called to pray for other players (yes, it can feel awkward, but I want to be obedient); I carry little Jesus figures with me to share and distribute to others; and despite being a fierce competitor, I want more than anything to be known as someone who loves like Jesus. What we believe matters, and our lives are the outward evidence that show what people can’t see inside our hearts. Are you a witness for hope, healing, and Heaven?

Do they see your faith? (“Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” Matthew 7:20)

Father, God, how thankful we are for You! Your goodness is beyond our comprehension, and the hope we can have in You is immeasurable. How lavish You are to give us faith, and then send the Holy Spirit to help us navigate this lifetime. Lord, may we yield to His voice within us. Use Him to guide us, to strengthen our gifting for Your glory, and to shine our faith brightly, so that others can trust in Christ, too. Empower us to be bold and loving so that we may gain more brothers and sisters in the eternal family of God. Use us, Lord, to give everyone that chance. In Jesus’ Holy name we pray, Amen.