Games

Well, they did it...the Saints pulled off a winning victory last night in the Super Bowl, and I bet that the city of New Orleans will not sleep for days. But the hard part of every competition, no matter the size...is someone has to be on the losing end for the other side to be on the winning one. We usually pull for one team or another...but in the case of the Saints last night...no matter how much anyone loved Indianapolis...because it is a great team especially with Manning at its helm...there probably was a little bit of compassion for the Saints...after all they had never been here before and what a lift for a city that has had such heartache. Congratulations to the Saints...may God use this victory for His glory.

Games...we watch them, we play them, and we come up with them and we are intrigued by them...they entertain us, frustrate us, challenge us, entice us and they also give us a bit of a get away from everyday routine. But have you ever considered life itself a game? One move can be a defeat while another can be a strategic win...but the "game is not over" until God has completed all of His moves.

It is said that the true test of a game is how we play it. So what are some of the things that are considered about how we play? Do we try to advance our position with fairness, with respect, with equality, with patience, with kindness, with perseverance, with tenacity, with heart...or do we play aggressively with intent of malice, or revenge and bitterness and frustration? Just hearing those two scenarios written out...males me revaluate the question of "how do I really play? To win at all costs...no matter who is in the way...or play my best with my motivation based on values. We all want to be winners but at what expense?

The answer I came up with is "I am a winner"...if I am playing by God's rules.
Sometimes I may not look like a winner, or feel like a winner by the world's standards...but as God is my witness....in the end I will be the winner. Unlike the games of this world where aggressiveness, and force, and strategic moves, and financial power play into a victory.... God's rules of engagement are rules of kindness, respect, self control, patience and love. They sound weak in comparison...but the real power that each of these qualities generates is a heavenly power of love. While one approach may well lead to a temporary victory...the other leads to an ultimate victory.

1 Corinthians 15:57
But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Each day we are faced with game of life...and each day we have a choice as to how to approach it...God's way or the way of the world. There will always be opponents..and we will will always be subjected to competition. Some games are played on the playing field for all to see, while others are played in our minds and behind the closed doors of our hearts. There are times when we have to accept a temporary defeat...or setback..because either we have played unfairly or under the wrong rules...or have been beaten down by others who have played unfairly but if we stand on what we believe and who we believe in CHRIST...then we are headed only for an ultimate victory that will last for an eternity.

Last night was a game whose players had worked hard to achieve the honor to be Champions...they both were well prepared and the game was clean....but there could only be one winner... God knew the outcome! The game of life is one that is played by all of us...but the difference is that we have a chance each day to choose our team...and play by God's rules or the rules of the world.
Winning is an opportunity afforded to all who trust in God. Our plays might not always be in line with God's because we often misread His play calls or just go out on own .thinking we can do it better...but then we have to regroup and come back to the truth that God's ways are just always best...even if we can not see the immediate results.If we want to live championship lives...then we have to allow God to be our coach.

Psalm 119:35
Direct me in the path of your commands, for there I find delight

Dear Lord, The honor of playing in the game of life has been awarded to us...each of us...by you Lord... Help us to play it by your rules, through your grace and for your glory. Amen

Praise God wherever you are or whatever situation he has allowed you to be in...for His glory will shine through.

www.cathyjodeit.com