Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win.  I Chronicles 9:24

Against my better judgment, I agreed to play in a Dunk Ball Tournament the other day. Although I wasn’t even sure I would be able to elevate enough to throw down on the 8-foot rim, I decided to go out and have some fun.

Once the play began, I realized right away that it was going to be physical.  The average Joe (myself included) athletes did not want to be dunked on. Elbows were thrown, bodies were checked, fouls were violent and frequent, but after the first couple of games we all started to figure out the nuances of dunk ball. After a couple of games we all started to find our groove.  I had my first couple of dunks under my belt and I was getting more aggressive.

That is when I drove baseline and saw the rim directly in front of me calling my name. 

It wanted to be rattled.

It wanted to be abused. 

It didn’t want a nice little old guy lay-up; it was begging for a violent, get out of my way tomahawk that would bring the crowd (actually there was no crowd there) to their proverbial feet.  But, as I approached, I realized that my competitor wasn’t about to lay back and watch me break the board.  He looked determined and fierce, but that intensified my resolve.  Mustering every ounce of strength I could find, I rose (I think my vertical is less than 6 inches) high above the rim and threw it down right on top him. 

Oh…it felt good.

That night as I was recovering from my day, I relived that moment.  When my focus kicked in and I decided I was not going to be denied, it was an amazing feeling.  I gritted my teeth and went after it…but, as often happens with me, this minor and shallow expression taught me something about my spiritual life.  Although I dig in and refuse to go down when I am playing sports, sometimes in my personal life, I am not as vigilant. When the devil attacks my emotions or places a temptation in front of me, I don’t dig in and go after it, instead I get soft.  Instead of fight, I sometimes roll over.

Although it is my enemy that is trying to discourage me, I don’t find the focus that reminds me God is good and my challenges are temporary.

When potential to sin pops up that I know will set me back and bring shame/guilt, I sometimes give up and give in without a fight.

 On the basketball court that day, I reminded myself that with determination…and definitely with God on my side, I can win any spiritual battle.  The God that is in me is greater than anything that will come my way.  If I just step up and refuse to be denied I can win.  But I can’t give up. I can’t roll over.  I have to set my sights on the author and perfecter of my faith.  With His help, I can dunk on the enemy’s head.  Now that sounds fun.

I Have A Question

Would You Pray With Me?