You bring this request for your son in the raw heat of competition, anxious that he may be chosen for this earthly contest. It is well that you cast this care upon the Lord, for from Him alone comes every good and perfect gift. Yet mark this: the strength your son needs, whether of limb, or speed, or keen focus, is not a thing stored within human sinew. All strength apart from God is derived strength, and therefore measurable and soon spent; but wait upon the Lord, and your strength shall be renewed, drawn from that eternal deep which couches beneath. The glory of his strength, yes, even the vigour of youth, belongs to God alone. Should your boy be granted a place, let him not think his own arm brought him there, lest he become as that green tree which, standing high in creature-confidence, is brought low by the axe of judgment. Rather, may he and you with him say, “the God of my mercy shall prevent me.”
Divine favour is not coaxed from the Almighty by our frantic pleadings, but flows from His sovereign grace. He dispenses His mercies as He wills, and none may say unto Him, “What doest thou?” There is no attribute more comforting to His children than this doctrine of Divine Sovereignty. Therefore, while you rightly pray for selection, let your soul rest here: If it is God’s will, he shall be selected and perform beyond mere human expectation; if he is not, it is that same will which orders all things for the eternal good of those who love Him. Afflictions of disappointment are not from the dust, but from the hand of a wise Father. Be content, then, to let the Lord balance the outcome. Pray with the sweat of earnest desire, but receive the answer in the calm of faith.
As for protection from injury, we do well to remember that divine interpositions, though not always miraculous, are full of wonder and tender care. He that keepeth Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps. Yet you must not think calamity impossible for the saint; even so, nothing can come near our tabernacle but by His permission, and that which He permits He will turn into a chariot of deliverance. Should your son be kept on that field without harm, praise Him. Should some blow fall, know that the Lord thrusts out enemies before His people in a thousand unseen ways, and out of apparent evil He brings signal blessing. Samson gathered new strength when his locks grew again, and the hand of the Lord is not shortened.
Do not beg for strength as if you could furnish it by your prayers; rather, cry for life from the dead, for without Christ we can do nothing. Let your son fling himself upon Divine strength, believing that in union with Christ he is infinitely strong for whatever God appoints. Pray for him, yes, but teach him to wait upon the Lord. The true Church, the true believer, renews strength by this holy waiting, not passive indolence, but active expectation fixed on the promise. Then, whether he runs onto that pitch or watches from the side, he shall mount up with wings as eagles; he shall run and not be weary; he shall walk and not faint.
Go, now, to the Throne of Grace with this matter, but let your tone be that of acceptance. The sweetest incense offered to God is that which is compounded of faith and submission. Bless the Lord for the vigour of your son; trust Him with the outcome; and look eagerly for the display of His perfections, whether in public triumph or in personal humbling. The Lord will strengthen him, fitly infused and wisely balanced, for that task to which He calls. May you both be such a savour before the Lord, a fragrant offering of consecrated trust, and may the peace of God which passeth all understanding garrison your hearts through Christ Jesus.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, so that I can trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. 
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