Four teams are working hard in preparation for this weekend. Two football games will be held that will decide who goes to the Super Bowl. One of the teams has been an underdog for a very long time. This season, they are stepping up and fighting their way to the top. The Detroit Lions are breaking barriers and making their way in the NFL.
You can liken your walk with God to football, or any sport actually. Games are played where two opponents vie for the victory. Before a game is played, there is a time of practicing, conditioning, and understanding your opponent. This week, four NFL teams are practicing their plays, keeping strong and fit, and studying how the other team plays the game. When it’s time for the game, they will be well-prepared to meet their opposition.
Walking with God is the same way. All believers are on God’s team and it is imperative that each member works hard at knowing the plays, conditions their hearts and souls towards God’s ways, and becomes aware of the opponent. On God’s team, there is only one opponent and that is Satan with his demons.
One will never achieve victorious faith without putting in the time and practice to know God and His Word, study the enemy’s tactics, and listen to the Holy Spirit and obey. You can think of the Holy Spirit as your coach.
While the coaches and players of these teams practice and study, they aren’t guaranteed a win. That is left in the hands of God. But on God’s team, you are victorious when you follow His game plan. This is possible because 1. God is sovereign over His creation, and 2. The resurrection of Jesus Christ removes the power of death. This means Satan and his demons are defeated foes. When God calls you to step into the game, you can run onto the field knowing you are on the winning team!
1 John 5:4-5 ESV says, “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world, our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”
1 Corinthians 15:56-58 NLT says, “For sin is the sting that results in death, and the law gives sin its power. But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. So, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.”
While my husband and I are hoping and praying that God leads the Lions to a Super Bowl victory for they have never reached that pinnacle before, God is calling every believer to live like an athlete training for the ultimate prize which is eternal life in Christ Jesus.
Every believer must follow the game plan that is found in the Bible, listen to Coach Holy Spirit, and do what God is wanting you to do. Every athlete has had to sacrifice things in their life to become successful. You must be willing to align yourself with God’s ways so you can play to win. It matters how you live, and the choices you make.
With God, there are only two teams to choose from. One is for His Kingdom and the other is the world where Satan bullies rather than coaches. One leads to death while the other leads to eternal life. Let the roar be restored in your soul for the Lion is returning soon.
Carol J German 