To set apart.

Joshua 3:5 (ESV)

Then Joshua said to the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.”

I have watched sports for pretty much my whole life.  One thing I’ve learned is the most successful coaches and athletes are those who are truly dedicated to their craft. It’s true in all walks of life, but I believe it bears itself out most clearly in athletics. Once the competition begins, pure talent only goes so far; at some point, those who dedicated the most time and energy to training, planning and preparing have the advantage.

Similarly, Joshua wanted the Israelites to prepare. In Joshua 3:5, he instructed them to get ready to be used by God: “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you.”

The word “consecrate” is interesting. It means “to set apart; designate or dedicate for a special purpose.” Consecration is a complete surrender to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Put it all together, and that verse is saying to surrender our lives and dedicate all we have to the Lord, for a day will come when He’ll do far beyond what we believe is possible. It’s in Christ, in living and competing for Him, that our true identity and fulfillment can be found.

Live by this belief: We can all be Christ’s ambassadors for His Kingdom, consecrated to fulfill His special purposes here on Earth. – Shane Williamson

Dear Lord, physical training comes natural to a competitor. We know how it impacts their performance. Please shift our mindsets to understand how much more valuable spiritual training is for us. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.