COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – February 10, 2026
As the world turns its attention to the Winter Games, Compassion International is inviting people everywhere to embark on a different kind of race—one marked not by medals, but by endurance, faith and compassion. The Race Set Before Us, a new seven‑day YouVersion devotional from Compassion International, features a lineup of professional and Olympic athletes guiding readers through Hebrews 12 and encouraging them to fix their eyes on Jesus.
Drawing parallels between athletic discipline and the Christian life, the devotional explores how perseverance, community support and unwavering focus empower believers to live out compassion in their daily lives. Each day includes a video reflection from an elite athlete who shares how their faith shapes their training, identity and purpose.
Featured Athletes
Athletes contributing guided Scripture videos and reflections include:
Ryan and Abbey Johansen —14-year professional hockey league veteran
Day 1: The Johansens share how the “cloud of witnesses” strengthens their walk with Christ and how faith‑filled community sustains them through life’s hardest turns.
Jaccob Slavin — Defenseman and alternate captain for the Carolina Hurricanes | U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team
Day 2: Slavin reflects on what it means to fix our eyes on Jesus, offering an athlete’s perspective on discipline, endurance and faith that overflows into everyday compassion.
Kent Johnson — Forward for the Colombus Blue Jackets
Day 5: Johnson discusses strengthening weak hands and weary knees—how God empowers His people to lift up others and pursue healing in community.
Teddy Blueger — Forward for the Vancouver Canucks | Latvia’s men’s Olympic hockey team
Day 6: Blueger explains why unity, peace and selflessness matter—in sports and in the body of Christ.
Matt Duchene — Forward for the Dallas Stars
Day 7: Duchene encourages readers to “keep their eyes on the prize,” reminding them of the eternal hope all believers run toward.
A Devotional Rooted in Hebrews 12 and Compassion International’s Unto Jesus Campaign
The devotional is focused on Hebrews 12:1–2, which encourages Christians to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…”
Throughout the plan, readers explore themes of discipline, perseverance, spiritual training, and community—all while being invited to consider how every act of compassion reflects Jesus’ love.
The devotional series is part of Compassion International’s Unto Jesus campaign, which encourages people to see every act of compassion—whether serving a neighbor or lifting up children in poverty—as an act of love unto Christ Himself.
Access the Devotional
The Race Set Before Us is available now on YouVersion.