John 3:3,16
Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again. For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
Juxtaposed, these are two of the most powerful, yet worldly controversial statements in all the Bible. Jesus DECLARED to Nicodemus, and to all unbelievers, that spiritual rebirth and entrance into Heaven is ONLY available through humble acceptance of Christ's sacrificial death for our sins. These are controversial statements because they narrow the options so sharply that we are faced with only two options in response - (1) prideful disregard for the declaration or (2) humble acceptance of our dire need for a Savior. Our sinful state without cleansing by the Blood of Christ is not a candidate for rehabilitation. We have to be completely reborn with a new heart and a new mind. This spiritual rebirth is available to all who ask Jesus to forgive their sins, and ask Him to be Lord of their lives.
What does this have to do with tennis? Tennis is a sport full of opportunities for rebirth. One of the most dramatic examples recently is the rebirth of Andy Roddick's game. He lost 15 pounds, improved his cardiovascular strength, improved his speed, reshaped his body, began to unleash his forehand and backhand, and has begun to use his mind to out-wit his opponents while constructing points in new ways. That sounds and looks like a rebirth to me.
Another opportunity for rebirth in tennis is after a loss. There is almost always another match to play. Every new match is another chance to employ new strategies, new tactics, new strokes, new mental game approaches, and new fitness. As a matter of fact, you could say that every point, game, changeover, and set is an opportunity to start afresh. Many matches are decided when one of the players chooses to accept that his or her old way of playing will not win the match.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, please give me the humility to admit my sins, the faith to accept your sacrificial death for me, the submission to let You be Lord of my life, and Your Wisdom to change my tennis game when it is time to do so.
