Ready:
"Begin to possess it, and engage him in battle."
-Deuteronomy 2:24
Set:
One thing I've learned is that there are many ways of handling tough situations. I've gone the route of "putting off" in hopes that the Lord would miraculously take a tough situation away. But since that usually doesn't work, here's what I've learned: God expects us to take the first step in the right direction--the step of faith.
Here's an example from God's Word. . .Israel was ready to take possession of the Promised Land. But a king by the name of Sihon stood in their way. God's command was, "Begin to possess it, and engage him in battle" (Deuteronomy 2:24). The Lord could have just taken Sihon out of the equation, but He commanded Israel to take the first step. The first step was activating their faith--trusting that the Lord would give them what He had promised no matter who or what stood in their way.
The same is true of you and me today. No matter what difficulties we might face in this year that will seem to defy solution the Lord says, "Begin!" We must make the first move, activate our faith, motivate our expectation, concentrate our belief and stimulate our trust in God and His promises. Then and only then will we face tough situations head-on and CONQUER THEM!
Each day holds joy and blessing for each of us--joy and blessing in attaining goals but also in walking with God, who says, "I have begun to give . . . begin to possess it" (vs.31).
Go:
1. Does your faith need activated, motivated, concentrated and stimulated?
2. Do you find yourself easily tempted to harbor unbelief?
3. What is God wanting you to learn from the Bible? Is it that He can be trusted?
Workout:
Romans 8:28
Philippians 4:13, 19
Hebrews 13:5
Overtime:
"Lord, help me to learn how trust You more. May I be pleasing to You in all I do. In Jesus' name, amen."
About the Author:
Coach Pat Street is the FCA Huddle Coach at River Valley High School in Marion, Ohio. If you'd like to receive his weekly “God’s Coaching Tip" e-mail Coach Street at coachpatstreet@timeoutsports.org. (If you have e-mailed and have not received a “tip” please e-mail again as some servers view the Coaching Tip as spam.)
