game ready
Lately I have encountered more men within our church who have lost their jobs. Men with health issues. Men faced with difficult marriage circumstances. Men who still struggle with the pain of every day sin battles. Sometimes these burdens feel like a landslide of heavy garbage that threatens to bury me at the end of a ministry day.
Thinking back to my old job as a high school basketball coach … it dawned on me that my players and team would only be prepared to face the tough games IF they experienced tough practices. So I would make them play against 7 defenders trapping the ball all over the court. I would force then to only use one dribble so they would have to find an open man breaking to a pass. I would even insert a smaller rim into the basket allowing only accurate shots to fall. These tactics caused frustration and produced many turn-overs. But it also forced my players to work harder and concentrate more. The trial prepared us for the test
I truly believe Christians must understand what it means to endure the trials of this life so we can shine for the Savior.
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12
