Having worked with athletes for the past few decades, I have put a great deal of thought and study into nutrition for peak performance. The term “breakfast of champions” suggests that the athlete is starting the day off right, with proper nutrition that will propel him or her through the day at the highest levels of performance. Did you know that there is a breakfast of champions for Christians, regardless of what athletic prowess they may or may not possess?
Let me hear in the morning of your steadfast love, for in you I trust. Make me know the way I should go for to you I lift up my soul. (Psalm 143:8)
Here the psalmist gives us the formula for the biblical breakfast of champions, and it is found in the Gospel of God alone. What a way to start each day, hearing in the morning of the steadfast love of our splendid Savior! The psalmist rises to begin the day—not with excitement about the daily news or stock market reports—but with the joy and comfort of daily experiencing the love of God. The psalmist puts his trust in this Gospel truth.
Let us acknowledge the Lord;
let us press on to acknowledge him.
As surely as the sun rises,
he will appear;
he will come to us like the winter rains,
like the spring rains that water the earth. (Hosea 6:3)
A breakfast buffet of God’s unfailing and unconditional love is the best way for those who are in Christ to start the day! It is like manna from heaven at the start of a new day. It is like fresh dew in the early morning covering the grass. It is like water from the fountain of Living Water that slakes the thirst for the entire day. Scripture tells us that the only way each day will be what God wants it to be is to begin it in the presence of God.
I know from personal experience the difference it makes starting the day with some “alone time” with God. When I’m too rushed, it’s not long before I am running on empty . . . and empty is not a good place to be! The common response from those who rush headlong into the day is, “I really didn’t have time.” Well, the truth is, none of us has the time NOT to do it.
When we start the day with God, we start the day with the fuel for excellence. We make better decisions and go in better directions. Think about it this way: is it better to start the day with fresh fruit or frozen toaster pastries? Starting the day off on the wrong foot has a tendency to keep us heading in the wrong direction. But when we begin the day reflecting on the grace of God, resting in His steadfast love, and responding to His call in our lives, we are supernaturally charged to live each moment for the glory of God and the good of all others.
How about you? How are you doing in this area? The “breakfast of champions” is the Bread of Life, and He is available to you 24/7. Start each day with the One in whom you trust! And on the days you don’t . . . relax! Jesus will be waiting for you when you return.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 