I've been thinking about what in the world I could blog about. But, I really have come to no decision. I just get sick of opening my blog and seeing the same picture over and over. So, here's some new pictures to look at--mostly of baby, because our camera is infested with him. But, I added a firework picture from the 4th of July.
Here's a question:
Do you think God blesses people in competitions? I am referring to any competition--particularly sports events, but any competitive position (man vs. man) is in question as well.
If I pray to win, am I more likely to win? How does God bestow blessings in these situations?
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10 comments:
I kinda have an experience here, actually. Not sports, because...ha! Me? Sports? Yeah right. Anyway, my sophomore year I was auditioning for concerto night, and I prayed every night that I would get in. I didn't. The next year I decided to pray for everyone auditioning. At first I didn't really mean it when I was praying for them, but eventually it was sincere and I didn't care if I made it because I came to love all of the people auditioning by praying for them. Guess what? I made it! I'm not saying that you'd make it every time if you did that...it was just interesting to me.
And now that I've taken over your blog...I'll stop! :)
Yes and no. I think He can make you the best of yourself that is possible. "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear." But you need to prepare for what ever competition it is you are in, cause praying to win a marathon when you haven't ran at all, not gonna happen. You have to put in your effort and work too... also, I think you need to be specific in praying for the win. If you are blessed with what you specifically asked for and that happens to be the reason you won, then, yes. :) Also His will for you plays part in it. Its like praying for what you know he wants. IF you know he wants you to win/loose then you pray for His will. I don't know if I made any sense...
I have wondered about that as well. Like with BYU football - can we pray for them to win?? Does God even care about football?
I have a couple different ideas to this topic of competitions...
First, I like to pray that I will perform to the best of my ability. And that not only involves my skill but also how much preparation I've put into it.
Also, I think of the scripture in 2 Nephi 32:9 - about praying that your performance will be for your good. Sometimes it will be for your good to win, sometimes to lose. You just have to trust that things always work out for the best. I think back to high school - my junior year I was cut from the softball team. I was so upset at first and it was not until a few years later that I saw how important it was that I didn't play softball anymore. It's a complicated story but basically because I didn't do softball I did orchestra, became friends with Marquita, and through Marquita eventually met Casey! So now of course I'm glad I didn't "win" and make the team that year. ;)
Anyway, I think it also depends why we want to win - what our motives are. I realized with softball too that I liked the prestige of being on the softball team, etc. So we have to be careful that our motive isn't pride.
One last thing...back to BYU football and allow me to get on my soap box for a second - I think the Lord blesses us as we have our priorities in order. BYU football struggled under Coach Crowton, then Bronco Mendenhall came along and really revamped some things. He has taught the players that football is number 5 on their priority list (with spirituality, family, school, and service being above it). As they have established their priorities they have begun to do better. Now that doesn't mean they always win - they lost two games this year. But winning isn't everything and they have still done well. The Lord has blessed them, as He blesses all those who put Him first. But like my softball example, we just have to trust in the Lord that things always work out in the end.
Sorry for the long, philosophical answer...great question. :)
What happens if I am praying to win, and my opponent is also praying to win?
Shaille, great answer. I would agree with priorities playing a big part. Maybe I'll respond more to that later.
willie, that question you asked is part of my question as well.
I always pray that everyone can do their best, and sometimes, my best is way better than I expected. Sometimes, it's way worse :) Who knows.
Cute pictures!
Good question Diana. I'll give my two cents. Yes, I think that God will bless you if you humbly pray. I don't think that you'll necessarily win, but I think that you can/will be able to play your best.
Personally, I've noticed that when I play sports and I'm thinking prideful or negative thoughts about other players, I don't play as well compared to playing and having fun.
So in summary, I do think that if you do pray, God will bless you.
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