Zeal Team 7

This Blog Post was written for Wichita State Track and Field Athletes. But, I think you will find some application for your own walk with Jesus.

In the heat of the season, when practices get grueling, meets are stacked back to back, and academic deadlines loom large, it’s easy to lose the fire you started the season with. Passion gets worn down by pressure. Enthusiasm turns to exhaustion. And somewhere along the way, zeal—true, God-fueled energy—starts to fade.

But Romans 12:11 calls us higher:
"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord."

Enter Zeal Team 7—not a military squad, but a mindset. A team of competitors who refuse to let passion die. Shocker athletes who train not just for the podium, but for purpose. Here’s how you can be a part of this spiritual elite and maintain your zeal when the season tests your limits.

1. Remember Who You Run For

When you forget your why, you’ll lose your way. Track and field can become all about stats, scholarship pressure, or chasing validation. But zeal is anchored in purpose. Romans 12:11 reminds us that our spiritual fervor is tied to serving the Lord. That means every 400m repeat, every weight lifted, every high jump attempt, every baton handoff—it’s all an act of worship.

Want to keep your fire? Then, focus on this: Compete for Christ, not just with skill. Your identity isn't found in your PRs—it's rooted in the One who gave you the legs to run and the lungs to breathe.

2. Feed the Flame Daily

You can’t run on empty. Zeal doesn’t survive on hype or motivation alone. Just like you fuel your body with nutrition, you have to fuel your spirit with truth. That means time in God’s Word, prayer, and staying connected with other believers—especially in-season.

Try this: Before you lace up or head to practice, pause and pray, “Lord, ignite my heart today. Let my work on the track reflect Your glory.”
Small sparks each day lead to a blaze that doesn’t burn out.

3. Appreciate Community

Ever tried to train alone for too long? It gets lonely—and slow. Zeal grows best in community. That’s why God gives us teammates, mentors, and spiritual brothers and sisters who can challenge us, encourage us, and call us higher when we start slipping.

Start a group text for prayer requests. Huddle with a teammate before meets. Join a campus ministry. The more you surround yourself with people who are chasing Jesus and not just medals, the more your zeal will stay alive.

4. Keep the End in Sight

Every meet is a checkpoint—not the final destination. Your real prize is not a championship ring; it’s a life well-lived in Christ. When your goal is eternal, not just seasonal, you’ll push through the pain differently. You’ll run with eyes locked on a greater finish line.

Paul said it best in 1 Corinthians 9:24: “Run in such a way as to get the prize.” That kind of race takes zeal—and that zeal is sustained when your eyes are fixed on Jesus.

Final Thought

Zeal Team 7 isn’t about perfection—it’s about passion. It’s about keeping the fire lit when the season gets long, when the body gets tired, and when the pressure threatens to choke out your joy.

So as you step into this next competition, take Romans 12:11 with you like a baton:
“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.”

Lace up. Lock in. Light the fire.

Welcome to Zeal Team 7!

God Bless,

Larry