Preseason football is done and over. It is a game to test the will and strength, but a mind challenging game. On 4 September 2009, I am happy that my team, Dallas Cowboys won. They played their second string and by the first half, they were 14 in the hole. Wow! This reminds me of my life sometimes.
Sometimes you feel like Elijah and want to crawl in a cave and bury yourself in misery. However, there has to be a team effort. I enjoy the story of Joshua defeating the Amalekites. Moses, Aaron and Hur went on top of the hill. Almost like spectators waiting for the game to begin and root the team on to win. Moses held his staff up high. As long as the staff was raised Joshua would win. When his arms grew tired, they lowered, and then Joshua would begin to lose.
What is the strategy to winning? Find a support system which will help support your arms, while reaching for God. If there are anger or issues, which are causing depression, then learn to forgive. Outstretched and nailed arms did Christ forgive those who crucified him.
Sometimes, life can deal us with terrible blows. First instinct is to run and hide. It is what we call in counseling the flight or fight. How do you get rid of the trigger to fly? Build your faith in knowing you can overcome through the strength of the Spirit to get you through anything (Phil 4:13). If you begin to feel you are second string, just know that there is a good work beginning in you. Find you a support group like Aaron or Hur, who can come and hold you up.
Prayer is the ultimate key to success. I know sometimes it feels like He doesn’t listen. Problem was I had too much noise going on while being caught up in the storm. Remove the noise. Find a place you can retreat and meditate. Sure being laid off from a job is not fun. Human tendency is to retreat into fear and thinking how in the world are you going to pay your bills. My fear was the noise. I have to have hope and confidence in the Spirit to comfort me.
If the Cowboys are playing their second string and they can receive the ball and run a 73 yard touchdown, then so can you. You have to be willing to be the receiver and be able to run with the ball when it is given to you. Don’t let life tackle you! The super bowl is already won! Christ is your Quarterback. God calls the plays. Paul says to be fit and run the race. Therefore, run with endurance and be a wide receiver making those touchdowns. Hear others cheering you on!
Get out there and make the touchdown and rejoice in knowing you are a WINNER. You only lose when you don’t try. Is your head in the game?
If you think you are second string in life, then get your head in the game, and know that you can still make a touchdown in life! Grab the ball and run! If Cowboys can win coming from a large deficit and still win... so can you! Don’t let life tackle you! Remember your Super Bowl is already won! Christ is your quarterback. Are you a receiver? Go make a touchdown! You are already a winner!
