Jesus Wins

F E A R

It drives my inner being

Permeating my soul

It's aroma captivating

Pulling me closer

Voices screaming "Let it in"

The door opens

The fear drawing nearer

Setting foot inside

Then a Hand intercedes

"Be gone" It speaks

With the authority of thunder

And the intimacy of a whisper

It tells me


"Jesus wins."

He said: "Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the LORD says to you; 'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's...'" -2 Chronicles 20:15

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. -John 16:33

Stretch

If you know me, you know that I love volleyball. It's my favorite sport to play and watch. 

Well, before this fall's season started, I made up my mind that this year was the year I was going to work my tail off to finally get my overhand serve down. I was going to practice and practice until I was good enough. I wanted to increase my skill level and be better than ever.

So I worked. Hard. But finally, I did it. I achieved what I set out to do. Getting there was hard. I was always sore, and tired. My body felt stretched because, well, it was! It wasn't used to all of the exercise. But because of the sweat and soreness, I became a better volleyball player. 

Now you're probably like "seriously? A post about volleyball? I hate sports!" but just hold on. I'm getting there. 

About a month after the volleyball season started, I was in my room reading my Bible. I always feel at peace when I read it, but this time I just felt kind of empty. 

My heart cried out, "God, I feel like I'm not getting anywhere in my relationship with You."  And I was right. Even though I had attended two incredible Christian camps that summer that gave me tools to grow in my walk with God, I wasn't growing. It bothered me for a few days. I just couldn't figure out why I wasn't where I wanted to be spiritually. Then, after volleyball practice, it occured to me. 

I wanted so badly to grow in my volleyball skills, so I set my mind on it and worked for it. Like I said, it hurt, it was hard, it stretched me physically. I could have given up (and wanted to frequently), but I didn't. And because I didn't, I obtained my goal.

I realized right then that to grow spiritually, I had to do the same thing. I would need to stretch myself, work hard, pour over the Word and study it earnestly if I ever wanted to grow. I can't just sit there and read a couple of verses that make me feel good inside and expect to instantly become this strong Christian. 

Just like I had to work hard to achieve my volleyball goals, I have to work hard to acheive my spiritual goals. 

So no more sitting there, wondering why I'm not growing and then not doing anything about it. 

It's time to stretch.  

[For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come -1 Timothy 4:8]