Ready:
“Now, get ready. Stand up and tell them everything that I command you. Do not be intimidated by them or I will cause you to cower before them. . . . They will fight against you but never prevail over you, since I am with you to rescue you.”–Jeremiah 1:17,19
Set:
When I was eight years old, my older brother, Steve, younger brother, Bill, and I were heading home from playing baseball. Suddenly, some kid attacked Steve from behind. Six-year-old Bill picked up our bat and began to wail on Steve’s attacker. The kid took off, and we sprinted home. Soon, a knock came at our door. Knowing it was the enemy, we sent Mom. Swinging a rolling pin in her hand, she yelled for the kid to go home and never come back. He never came back because he knew the Elliotts were tough!
In the Book of Jeremiah, God told His people, “Get tough team, I am here. Say what I want said and do what I want done.” Then He said, “And when the fighting begins . . .” You mean there is going to be fighting? God, they are bigger, stronger, smarter, and faster than us. Why don’t You just wipe them out?
God tells His people that He won’t leave them hanging—unless they cower. He knows life isn’t easy. Jesus even said that life brings “trouble” (John 16:33). But He will be there to help if we don’t cower! We have to be tough. Our toughness will bring God into the battle. I don’t want to go anywhere if God isn’t going with me!
Toughness is not unchristian, but ordained by God when we follow His lead. How tough are we? Are we ready to stand up for God and not be intimidated?
Go:
1. Have you seen a teammate demonstrate godly toughness?
2. Have you seen God demonstrate His toughness?
3. In what ways can you be tough for God in practice and competition?
Workout:
Extra Reading: 1 Samuel 17; 2 Corinthians 11:16-30; Hebrews 12:1-13
Overtime:
Lord, help me to only go where You go. Teach me what it means to have godly toughness. Amen.