Mike Singletary was the Chicago Bears’ most renowned middle linebacker during the 1980s. He was noted for his intense gaze that would scan across the line into the opposing quarterback’s face. He played in Super Bowl XX, where the Bears triumphed over the New England Patriots, and made ten trips to the Pro Bowl over his 12 years in professional football. He once told a CBS reporter that Christ meant everything to him. One time after a game, another reporter asked, “How do you get clobbered by a couple of linemen on one side of the field, then a few seconds later, you make a tackle on the other side?” Singletary replied, “I get up.”

Nehemiah 3-4 – Courageous Perseverance

Nehemiah recorded in his journal the names of the people and families who “got back up.” With the approval of Jerusalem’s leaders, they began the dangerous and challenging task of completing the rebuilding of the wall. Just as Christ meant everything to Mike Singletary, serving the Lord meant everything to those who rebuilt the wall.

Once the rebuilding of the wall began, Nehemiah’s enemies not only mocked and insulted him but also threatened violence to discourage Nehemiah and the Jews. Nehemiah kept getting back up, fueled by his ability to remain focused through prayer. He encouraged his people by reminding them of God: “Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome” (Nehemiah 4:14).

The Kingdom Coach and Athlete refuse to engage in mocking and remain focused on their work through prayer.

Bible Memory Verse – “‘…but if you return to Me and keep My commandments and do them, though those of you who have been banished were at the ends of the sky, I will gather them from there and will bring them to the place where I have chosen to cause My name to dwell.’” Nehemiah 1:9  (LSB)