Reviving the Family
Strengthening The Bond Between God and Families
The Outcome: Me-determined, Not Pre-determined
(This article should inspire all Christian athletes. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Php 4:13)

by Sara Muncher

The outcome of a game is not predetermined, it is “me-determined”. No one knows the future, so what makes us
think we know if we are going to win or lose a game before we even step onto the field of play? Only the
individual or individuals can determine the outcome of a game. My skill level does not determine my will level. The
amount of integrity, intensity, and intellect I display determines the outcome. The level of commitment to my
teammates, coupled with my ability to remember to forget the past, define the results.

My skill level does not determine my will level. I can only control how much skill God gives me to a certain point. I
can always control how much effort and heart I put into the game. In games and in life, success is not measured
in inches, pounds, or seconds. It is measured in heart, focus, and the refusal to surrender.

My integrity, intensity, and intellect determine my level of commitment to my teammates and to the task at hand. I
have to be willing to completely commit myself to working as hard as I can to make my team successful. I must
have integrity to show leadership, intensity to show relentlessness, and intellect to show mental toughness.

The greatest key in determining the outcome is my ability to remember to forget the past. I have to learn to
completely let go of my mistakes in order to learn anything from them. I also can’t dwell on the positive things I
have done. I have to continue working hard to be my best. I cannot define myself by how badly I missed the last
shot, but by how badly I want the next shot.

A great example of someone who believed that the outcome was not predetermined was point guard “Muggsy”
Bogues of the Charlotte Hornets. At five foot three inches tall, he defied all odds to star in the NBA. “Muggsy”
understood that his will level had to overcome a lack of height in a sport defined by being taller than average. He
knew that his size allowed him no room for error. His integrity, intensity, and intellect allowed him to soar above
much taller players. Team came first for him. His interest was in success on the court, not stardom.

Every time I wonder if I can accomplish the task in front of me, I simply remind myself that “Muggsy” Bogues had
thirty-nine blocked shots in his NBA career. The only limits I will ever have are those I have placed on myself.