Prepared
There was a point in the game on Saturday, where a line of attack collided with a line of defence. The players with the ball battled. They had one goal. To break through and carry the ball across the line.
The men were physically strong; built, from months and years of rigorous training. They were fast and agile and skilled, from drills done over and over and over. Each sequence of play a result of careful planning and strategy.
The analogy of the athlete is something that Paul uses in the Bible to parallel the Christian life (1 Cor.9:24-27) and this is what I was reminded of watching these guys.
Eighty minutes on the field. Months of preparation.
It made me think of our lives as Christians. How trying to live this life for God without preparation, is the equivalent of a man on the street being handed a shirt and running out onto the field cold. He may be OK for a while, but pretty soon, it’s really likely that his fitness will fail, and he’ll drop the ball.
Take for example ongoing problems in a marriage.
Or a being deeply hurt by someone you trusted.
Unexpected redundancy.
Or simply being mistreated or offended by what someone says.
How do we respond to these things?
Jesus talked about five wise virgins/maidens and five foolish (Matt.25:1-13). What defined the wise women was their preparedness. They had brought extra oil for their lamps, so that their lamps would not run out.
The story is in the context of waiting and being ready for Jesus’ return, but the point about being prepared can be applied more widely too.
The idea of being strong in God.
Building ourselves in the knowledge of Who God is; His character, His power and His instruction to us through the Bible.
Strengthening our faith, so we are well practiced in trusting Him.
Fostering intimacy with Him. Knowing His voice and His prompting. Refreshed by His Spirit and strong in His strength.
And then doing these things, day after day after day, so that we will “run and not grow weary,” “walk and not faint” Is. 40:31 in difficult times. That we keep “press[ing] towards the goal” Phil.3:14 in those times.
Being deliberate, being dedicated and being prepared.
“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly …” 1 Cor.9:25-26.
ohh birgit! I love all your posts. this one was most beautiful too! :) thank you!!!
It is strange how we will put so much effort into physical things and neglect the spiritual. God has a way of reminding us though! :) This was a very sweet, gentle reminder. XO
Thank you, Birgit. I really needed this reminder today. Going through this hard season, the only thing that has remained true is the knowledge I have of Him. If I didn’t understand His character, His attributes, I think I would have faltered in this race. But I KNOW I will not because I KNOW He is good. And ultimately, all we are enduring will be used for His glory.
Hi Randi, I’m so glad you liked it, thanks for your lovely encouragement, God bless :)
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Hi Tawny, yeah, I know exactly what you mean, particularly when I think how consistent we can be about going to the gym and the time that involves compared with what is given to the Lord – eek!!
Thank you for your kind encouragement, bless you :)
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Hi Michelle, so sorry to hear that you have been going through a hard season, I am going to be praying for you. It is inspiring to hear how the reality of knowing God, through your hard time, is something that gives hope and helps sustain. Bless you dear friend, thinking of you xo
Thanks, Birg. You are a dear friend. Maybe someday we will be able to meet in 3-D. ;)
As you have so deftly demonstrated here this is a repeating theme through the word of God. Sports were even popular during the writing of the bible! :-) But it is truly an applicable lesson: to remain strong requires daily discipline. The word disciple shares its root with the word discipline. How important it is to remember these truths and not become slack. Great post!