Do It Right
Our family celebrated my son's 15th birthday this past weekend. It started on a high note. The night before he made a tremendous play in his high school junior varsity football team's game to set them up to make a touchdown, and eventually win the game, after being down to the other team. He did not start in the game, but when his opportunity came, he was ready. He knew what to do.
He had prayed with us before the game. He had attended every practice to work out and learn how to execute the plays. And he watched film to understand the plays and know them by heart. He knew the rules to not be penalized or disqualified. When his number was called, he was spiritually, physically and mentally prepared to do the right things at the right time. What he continually practiced he was able to successfully execute.
To honor his birthday, I put together a short video of him over his young lifetime. While reviewing photos and past footage, I was reminded of how many years he's been playing football. He had executed this process of being ready over and over again the last decade; two-thirds of his life. Of course, there were times when he misread a play or fumbled the ball. He's broken rules and lost yardage. However, by continually studying the game and applying what he learned on the field, he gained greater knowledge and understanding of not just what to do, but how to do it right.
He took a short break due to the pandemic during his eight grade year; though he did not actively play, he came to the games to support his team. This gap did impact his playing time on the freshman football squad when he arrived at high school. So after that season, his father and I got him training to help him compete and get a better shot at getting on the field. And, each member of our family prepared a vision board to kick off 2022; he put having a more active role on his football team as part of what he wanted to accomplish. He remained committed to his goal.
Unfortunately, he developed appendicitis after contracting COVID and he again was sidelined for a stint. Yet, he continued to stay prayerful. From working out in the off season, his body recovered over a matter of weeks after surgery. And he kept his mind focused on the written vision that made his goal plain to him (Habakkuk 2:2); I reminded him he would get well and play in due time because God had given him that vision. Through his preparation and diligence, even when faced with adversity, he stayed faithful. In return, he reaped his reward at the appointed time.
Anyone who saw my son not playing that much during these last couple of years could have assumed he didn't prepare. But his team, coaches and everyone on that field last Thursday knows he did! They all erupted and celebrated his effort that kept them undefeated. And word has traveled beyond just those who were in attendance. He's received his due accolades. Me and his father are not surprised; we have encouraged him to just keep doing the right things and his opportunity will come.
Yes, football is just a game. And whether his team wins or loses in the larger scheme of things won't really matter. However, how he has developed his talent God has bestowed upon him does.
"If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities" (Luke 16:10 NLT).
God has given us the playbook and provided everything we need to be successful in all He calls us to do. For God so loved the world, He gave us Jesus (John 3:16) and it is through Jesus we have a rich and satisfying life (John 10:10). Jesus is the initiator and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2) and it is our faith that makes us victorious (1 John 5:4). Jesus is the Word (John 1:1-5) and by studying the Word, meditating on it day and night, we get to know Him; He provides us the instructions to prosper.
Through our meditation, we learn the Word by heart, so we can obey it and not sin against God (Psalm 119:11). We grow to understand God lives in us (1 John 4:13), therefore we treat our bodies well as a living sacrifice and allow Him to transform our minds, changing the way we think (Romans 12:1-2). We become spiritually, physically and mentally fit for our divine assignments, equipped to put into practice what Jesus teaches us to do - the right things at the right time. "So let's not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don't give up" (Galatians 6:9 NLT).
This is how we live abundantly as God designed. "...As the Scriptures say, "It is through faith that a righteous person has life"" (Romans 1:17 NLT). "What good is it dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions... (James 2:14 NLT)?
What are you doing consistently? Whose instruction are you following?
"Don't be misled - you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant" (Galatians 6:7 NLT). What you do day and night will determine your outcome.
When God calls on you to use you, will you be ready to do what He asks? Will you do it right? He's given the winning strategy - the only way to victory - Jesus!
Do you know Jesus so you may succeed and prosper in all you do? I invite you to know Him better today!
Authentic Existence® Affirmation: I will meditate on the Word day and night, to be prepared to do all God asks me to do and do it right!
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Book of Instruction. May we study it day and night to know Jesus and succeed in all we do.
In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.
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