It’s been a while since my last post, so apparently the Lord felt it was time for me to write. That time being in the middle of the Nashville Predator’s Game 4 of the first round of playoffs, but I’ll go with it because when the Lord says write, you write.
I’m a hockey fan. That is no secret to anyone who knows me. So as I sit here watching Game 4 of the NSH/ANA series, something hit me hard. I’m watching these guys and this team that I’ve come to love give every ounce of themselves to this game. They are united and fighting wholeheartedly to score the goal that will win them the game, and later (hopefully) the Stanley Cup. They are passionate, they are fierce, and they are coming together to defeat the same opponent.
I want to live like a hockey player fighting for the Stanley Cup.
The difference between me and a hockey player (other than the obvious) is that my Stanley Cup is eternal life. I’m fighting for a goal that is beyond this world.
I want to live each day with a passion and a focus for Jesus Christ that no opponent can diminish. I want to give 100% to the goal of living for the God who saved me and making Him known to everyone I encounter.
This is my goal. This is the game.
“So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.” 1 Corinthians 9:26
Do you think that when a hockey player steps on the ice, he just wanders aimlessly with no plan, no set-up, no play in mind? No, and we shouldn’t either. Each step we take, each word that we speak, and each moment Jesus gives us to share His love with someone is an opportunity to be purposeful.
We must use the resources the Lord has given us. He has equipped us with everything we need to be successful in the plan he has laid out before us. But he will not force us along the way. We have to want it. We have to fight to keep our eyes on Him, trusting that he will lead us to our prize.
Let me be clear, the Lord will fight for you. He will be there every step of your journey to Heaven, but He will not make the decision to fight for you on his own. He could, but he won’t. You have to decide for yourself that your goal is Heaven and you are prepared to give everything for that goal.
The initial choice to get in the game is up to you. Once you make your decision to pursue the Lord, never give up. Fight with everything in you to live for the glory of the Lord, but always remember that He will fight for you when life becomes too hard. You and God are a team. You are both fighting for the same goal.
Just as a hockey player is intentional in the way he plays, you must be purposeful in your pursuit of eternal life. So strap on your gear, get on the ice, and fight.
**read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 for more on fighting to win our eternal prize