Welcome to NELA FCA

24/7 Overview

As a coach or athlete, it can feel like the hustle and grind never stops. How you spend your "24/7" matters. Jesus is ready to give you the rest and rejuvenation that you need, you just have to slow down enough to receive it. - What's Your 24/7?

Life is a 24/7 grind. As an athlete, you’re always moving and there’s not much time to slow down at all for fear of losing momentum or losing ground. There’s no way to win in sports or in the game of life when you’ve stopped and everyone else is passing you by. But sometimes, you might need a do over or time to stop and get a fresh start and move in a different direction. Maybe it’s time to be still and recognize the need for a new perspective in Christ. As an athlete, a reset is a new way of thinking or doing things, which will free you up to be the best athlete, student, friend or family member that you can be.

The same is even more important for your spiritual well-being. Do you want to experience true freedom in your heart? Be still and be open to a brand-new perspective on life through the Truth found in Jesus. You can be set on a new path towards truth and freedom from the 24/7 grind if you take time to be still. When you allow God to speak to you through the Holy Spirit and through His Word, you will experience a perspective change and start a journey towards a new kind of 24/7 life.

Because He renews your life—by giving you a new heart. When God gives you a new heart, He also gives you a new purpose and, through His Holy Spirit, new power to walk out that purpose with boldness, confidence and conviction. You can do anything God calls you to do, but you can’t do it alone!

As you are renewed in Christ, you have a new heart, which creates a new identity in Him. Then, there is a new purpose to your life: To spread the Gospel and live your life for Jesus. As an athlete, your new purpose might be to use your sport as a way to reflect how Christ as changed your life or to share the gospel with teammates, coaches, and others within your sphere of influence. You also have access to the power of the Holy Spirit, who will give you strength and courage to do what God has called you to do. As you step out in this new purpose and power, you will begin to see your life transformed.

The need to refuel your body and your mind is a never-ending cycle. The same is true for you as a follower of Christ. You need the spiritual fuel that brings a supernatural joy and hope that will overflow into every aspect of your life.

Just as you need physical and mental fuel for athletic performance, you need spiritual fuel to walk out God’s purpose for your life. Consistent communication with God draws you near to Him and brings peace and joy to your heart. As you refuel in God’s joy and peace through Scripture, prayer and community, you are prepared to meet whatever challenge comes your way with wisdom and strength.

You’ve gone through the process of spiritual reset, renewal and refueling. You are now ready to show boldness and share the Gospel with unbelievers. It’s time to make disciples and live out of the overflow of Christ in you. As you become more ready each day to show your faith and share the Gospel, the Holy Spirit will create in you another aspect of the Christian walk—a desire to serve others, which is a vital way to express God’s love to those closest to you and to those that might be outside of your comfort zone.

When you serve others, you are showing God’s love for them and opening the door to sharing the Gospel. Sharing God’s love with others is a vital part of your new purpose in Christ. As you use your gifts in this way, you will be ready to leave your overwhelmed life behind and experience the overflowing joy and peace written about in our theme verse.