Drive towards the Goal

The Final Four is being played this coming weekend in Detroit, Michigan. Connecticut will face Michigan State and North Carolina will square off against Villanova. The winners will meet on Monday to see who can cut down the nets and gain the NCAA championship.

But, there is a more epic battle being waged for your soul, today. What direction will that battle take? Imagine that this battle is being carried out on a basketball court. You are hemmed in on every side. Left to yourself, you have already turned over this opportunity to shine. The shot clock is winding down. Every lane to the basket has been shut down. Defeat seems almost inevitable.

You can’t get a shot off in time. “Somebody help me”, you cry and it’s then you notice it. There is someone working on your behalf. He places himself between you and your opponent. Even while he bears the hard foul meant for you, he asks you to focus on the open lane he opened for you. Take the first step toward the goal. Defeat is about to give way to victory.

Jesus has been working on your behalf. He is asking you to trust him. He asks you not to focus on the problems you face, the scars you bear, or the burdens you carry. He asks you to hear his voice. “I am opening a lane to the goal just for you.” Take the first step. It doesn’t have to be perfect. He’ll take care of that department. Go forward in the grace you now have, the grace that turns defeat into victory!

Jesus said, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is near: you repent (change your mind) and believe in the good news.” Don’t stand there gawking at your good fortune. Drive towards the goal. Do what Jesus says. Take the lane he has opened for you. Get on the pathway of grace.