FACING YOUR GIANT

Your Very Best

Quote for the Day

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9




♥ The Underdog

If you're like me, you love watching a competition when the underdog gives someone a run for their money. There's just something about seeing the "little guy" compete strongly against an opponent who is expected to win. Even if the underdog doesn't triumph in the end, there is still a sense of victory because most people can relate to the weaker player.

From playing sports to leading a family, the true test of skill, strength, and endurance occurs when the odds do not appear to be in your favor. Self-defeating thoughts (such as I'll never pull this off...It's just too hard...or I'm not going to make it) are easy to say--especially when facing a favored opponent.



♥ The Competition

In Luke 22:31, Jesus tells Peter,

"Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat."

In other words...look out, Peter, because Satan desires to knock you out of the game. As a believer in Jesus Christ, you will encounter tough competition. And let's face it, Satan doesn't care about playing fair. In the midst of your struggle, it's easy to lose sight of God's love and purpose. You may know that God is quite capable of coming through for you but not sure if He actually will--or perhaps it seems as if He did not.

Thankfully, Jesus doesn't leave Peter to face Satan alone and the same holds true for you today.

"But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." (Luke 22:32)

Jesus knows that the purpose in "sifting" is a careful development of Peter's potential. He also knows that on the other side of Peter's trial, he will gain experience which God uses to influence others.

God's desire isn't necessarily to see you win the game but it is rather to have you give Him your very best--a total commitment. As the coach of His team, God trains, tests, and keeps His players pressing toward the goal. Although God allows you to face tough opponents, He never has you facing them alone. Once you endure the hard times, God can use you to lead and influence others for Jesus Christ. Through developing your staying power, He helps you to realize your full potential.


♥ The Victory

I was reminded recently of God's faithfulness after renting a movie that hit the big screen in 2006 called "Facing the Giants". Although the story focuses on a small-town highschool football team, the film itself is a come-from-behind success story. Two brothers in ministry working on a shoestring budget with actors from their own congregation decided to take on Hollywood. The film grossed $10 million dollars within one year and has influenced people worldwide in their spiritual commitment to Christ.

The movie's take-home message can be summed up by a statement the head coach makes to his players, "We need to give God our best in every area. And if we win, we praise Him; and if we lose we praise Him. Either way...we honor Him with our actions and our attitudes. "

Please take a moment to watch the clip below from the movie. A good reminder that God is always there encouraging you to keep driving when it hurts. To give Him your very best when you are out of strength. To move through the pain so that you can influence people around you.

Satan may seem stronger, faster, and can deal some heavy blows, but God loves to use the underdog when it comes to His glory. If you find yourself with a difficult burden right now, don't give up. God knows He already has the victory.

Click Here for video: https://webmail2.centurytel.net/hwebmail/services/go.php?url=http%3A%2F%2Fe2ma.net%2Fgo%2F1329054444%2F1207932%2F44211536%2Fgoto%3Ahttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D-vB59PkB0eQ%26feature%3Drelated

from Blessings of Comfort, www.blessingsofcomfort.com - Marcy Pate