"But Samuel replied, “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams." -1 Samuel 15:22 NLT

What does “prime” mean as it pertains to sports? “Prime” in sports mean seasons close or somewhat close to the peak of an athlete’s career. The prime in an athlete’s career doesn’t typically last long. When it occurs, they must take full advantage of it by reaching their full potential and playing at a high level.

Many great athletes like Luke Kuechly (football), Bjorn Borg (tennis), and Ken Dryden (hockey), have retired in their primes or possibly earlier than people would have liked or expected. Reasons include the accumulation of injuries throughout the years, a lack of passion for the sport, or to spend more time with their families, etc.

Sometimes people will make decisions that we may not understand just like others may not understand certain decisions that we make. It is important for us as Christians to constantly grow in our relationship with God. As we grow, we must stay in tune with Him by willingly listening when He speaks to us. Remember that God speaks in a small still voice (1 Kings 19:12).

There are many times as Christians when God will instruct us to do something that we may not understand initially but we certainly will later. We must always listen to God because He is our Father. He knows best, He has a plan and a purpose for our lives and “He knows the end from the beginning” (Isaiah 46:10). Many people will not understand the decisions that we make even if we are led by God. That is why we shouldn’t worry about other individuals’ opinions. Obedience and trust in God are important keys for God to bless us and show Himself strong in our lives so that He will be glorified.