As You Practice, So You Play

Dedicated to my nephew J'Den Cox ~ 4 time State Wrestling Champion in Missouri 

We have all heard the old saying ”Practice makes perfect”. Many coaches have quoted this to athletes on their team with the hopes of motivating them to give their all in practice. The desired result is the team (or individual) coming out as the victor in the actual game. I am not sure where it originated, but I do know that many people have lived by this. I am not sure that this is a good thing. What if the practice is wrong, ineffective, down right horrible? If you have spent time practicing incorrectly, won’t that result in the actual “game” being done wrong? Not really the outcome hoped for, I’m sure. My husband’s high school wrestling coach used to tell him “As you practice, so you play”. He would often provide that same bit of advice to his nephews during their wrestling careers and our son in his various sports (T-Ball, Baseball, wrestling and football). I don't really think I put much thought into it then, but now I actually think this is a better, more realistic way to look at things. Think about it, if while practicing you are ineffective, lazy, etc. then that’s how you will “play”. On the flip side, if your practice is focused, done correctly and effective then the chances are greater for a successful outcome. My nephew J'den Cox obviously understood this very well.  He put his time in on the mats (practice) and it paid off time and time again (play)! 

Not to take away from the sports application, but I often use that same analogy to my walk with Christ. I compare the “practice” to the day-to-day things I do (or should do) like reading the Word, spending time in prayer, and living out the Word. It’s during those times that I am storing His Word in my heart. Spending time in prayer and seeking God for direction are also essential keys to the "practice"side of this process.  The “play” I liken to the times of testing, trials and tribulations in my life. If I have handled the “practice” correctly, when the trials and tribulations come I won’t be overtaken, destroyed, or crushed by them. Why? Because I have spent time in His Word, sought Him in prayer and acquired the necessary tools to weather the rough times.  Those rough times can happen in any arena such as finances, marriage/family relationships, friendships, or even on the job. When they come, and they WILL come, make sure you  have done your part in the "practice" and you too will come out the victor!  "As you practice, so you play." 

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Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.         ~ Psalms 119:11

But blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him.  ~ Jeremiah 17:7