Don't leave the game until the timer hits zero!!

You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. 19 You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid, and many will court your favor. - Job 11:18-19 

We’re in the midst of college football season, and everyone has their team, and it’s a crazy time especially here in Tennessee. A lot of people follow the University of Tennessee Volunteers, and while I don’t follow them, I was flipping through the channels one Saturday and saw that they were losing 20-3. I am a sports fan, so I had heard the reports about them being the underdogs and that they had an 11 game losing streak going into the game against the Florida Gators. The expectation for their win was extremely low. I don’t know about you, but if I’m going into something and everyone around me expects me to lose, that doesn’t really give me the confidence I need to come out on top. In fact, they were booed off the field by their fans at half time. I can’t imagine how the players felt in the locker room. But I CAN imagine the coach and how it’s his job to inspire his team even though it seems all hope is lost. He probably gave them one of the most inspirational half time speeches ever. And guess what? It worked! Because they came back and won that game! I was shocked! But then Lord spoke to me about us Christians giving up before we should. The Vols could have easily came out for the second half and just rolled over, but they didn’t! I know there have been times in my life when God has given me a promise and when it was taking too long, or not going as I had planned, I want to give up and just say forget it. My mind monsters start telling me that maybe I was wrong about the promise, maybe God didn’t promise it. Maybe I just wanted it so I told myself it was from God and it really wasn’t. But I’m here to tell you that if you feel that way, do NOT believe that lie! If God put that promise in you, then He will bring it to pass. Don’t let those mind monsters have control. Do what you need to do to stay in it and not give up! God will give you the grace you need. Just ask Him. The Bible says that if we hold on, we’ll be lifted up on wings like eagles. That’s His promise to you.

My challenge for you this week is that when you feel like all hope is lost, do what the Vols did. Don’t roll over and give in to your fears. Come out fighting and you will have the victory! 

Jesus be my floatie

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. - Isaiah 40:29-31 (NIV)

How strong is your faith? What is it that will make you try anything knowing that whatever you try, you can’t fail? It’s the feeling of knowing that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be, you’re in the will of God and as long as you stay there, you will succeed.

Recently I was on vacation and we were at the beach, and my grandson who is 2 was completely terrified of the water and the sand. I mean he would not stand in the sand or get his feet wet. Even when he was being held he would cry hysterically. My daughter forgot to bring his floaties so I went to the store and picked some up for the next day. My daughter was convinced that he still wouldn’t get in the water. But we put them on him anyway. We went back to the beach, and believe it or not, they made all the difference! He was no longer afraid of the water. In fact he loved being in the water so much that when it was time to go, he didn’t want to leave and cried to get back in the water! I said to my family, who knew that 2 little floaties could do that. It got me thinking about life and how we struggle with faith on a daily basis. We all have moments when we don’t want to get in the water or even put our feet in the sand because of fear. Fear is very powerful, real and it can also keep us from God’s best if we don’t use His Word as our floaties and realize that if He put the dream in us, He’ll do His part, and we need to do ours. Don't just sit back and say 'I'm waiting on the Lord" Faith without works is dead, If God told you to do something, then do it. I understand that having faith can seem so easy, but with so many thing coming at us blindsiding us, our faith sometimes falters, and that's okay. But don't live there. Have your moment, then get busy! You've got a lot to do! 

I want to challenge you today to not give up even in the face of adversity. When you’re terrified, turn to your life-jacket. The Lord Jesus and even when it still seems impossible, just remember, nothing is impossible with Him to those that believe.