Today’s Daily Bread ~ Soccer

Ephesians 6:10-11 – A final word:  Be strong with the Lord’s mighty power.  Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies and tricks of the Devil.

I am officially a soccer mom.

My five year old daughter is a member of Upward Sports, a Christian sports ministry that emphasizes good sportsmanship and teamwork above competition.  Every child gets to play, regardless of skill or experience.  The teams don’t keep score, which is good, because in two games, our team (the Rainbows) has scored one goal. 

My husband, who thrives in a competitive atmosphere, has decided that, until our daughter garnishes more skill, her best bet is to learn to play defensively.  The two of them will race around the back yard as he teaches her to “kick the ball away, Caitlyn!  Kick it away!” and to “get in front of that goal, honey!  That’s right!”

At her most recent game, Mike and I were delighted to see that his direction had stuck, and on several occasions, Caitlyn managed to kick the ball away as the other team was preparing to score (again).

The defensive tactics are working, but they do nothing to win the game.  In soccer, the object of the game is to score points.  If you want to walk away the victor, you must find a way to put that ball in the enemy’s goal.

Ephesians 6:14 – Stand your ground, putting on the sturdy belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.

I remember the first time I put Caitlyn’s tiny pink shin guards over her skinny little legs.  I smiled, thinking to myself that she should wear them every day, regardless of what she does.  Her shins and knees bear the battle scars of her new scooter and her tendency to fall.  In a game, however, you can’t play without them.  A swift kick from a cleated foot could fracture or break your tibia, knocking you out the game, and likely the season.

If an athlete hopes to be effective, he must suit up appropriately.  If a Christian hopes to be effective, he must do the same.

What is the sturdy belt of truth?  John 14:6 – Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.  No one can come to the Father except through me.” The world would have us believe that there are many ways to the Father, many ways to win the game.  Incorrect.  You can be the fastest runner on the field.  You can have the best maneuvers and the fanciest footwork.  But if you aren’t putting the ball in the goal, you’re missing the mark.

Ephesian 6:15 – For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News, so that you will be fully prepared.

Watching the little girls play their first game was so cute.  We’d had all of two practices, and none of them had ever played on a team.  More than anything else, the thing that hindered them the most was their nerves.  The sounds of whistles blowing and parents screaming overwhelmed them, and many of them just stared, wide-eyed, unsure of what to do.

Jesus lets us in on a secret.  We’ve already won, He tells His disciples.  Yes, the game will be difficult. Yes, there will be bumps and bruises.  But don’t be anxious or afraid, for I have overcome the world (John 16:33). 

An element of anxiety is taken away when you watch Upward sports, because they don’t keep score.  It’s not about winning, it’s how they play.

In our walk with Jesus, it’s not about winning – we’ve already won.  It’s how we play.  How we live.  How many lives we touch.  Sharing the Good News.  Claiming souls for Christ.  Loving extravagantly.  Serving diligently.  Shining His light in a steadily darkening world.

Ephesians 6:16-17 – In every battle you will need faith as your shield to stop the fiery arrows aimed at you by Satan.  Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.  Pray at all times and on every occasion in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all Christians everywhere.

In the armor of God, we are given one offensive weapon and one offensive play.  Everything else is defensive:

1. The Word of God – knowing the Bible.  Studying it on a daily basis.  Incorporating it into your life.  There is tremendous power in the Scriptures.  Know them.  Memorize them.  Use them.
2. Praying at all times and on every occasion.  Another way to phrase this is keeping an ear to the coach.  Trusting that the One who watches over the game has a better perspective than the one who is in the thick of it. 

Ephesians 4:15-16 – Instead, we will hold to the truth in love, becoming more and more in every way like Christ, who is the head of His body, the church.  Under His direction, the whole body is fitted together perfectly.  As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

Dear Heavenly Father, we thank You for the work already done, and the game already won.  When Jesus Christ gave Himself up on the cross, He dealt the enemy the death blow.  Help us to remember this through the storms we face in life.  Help us to remember that, through Christ, we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).  Help us to remember that You are always walking before us and beside us.   Give us certainty that You are already on the other side of our circumstances.  Help us to cling to Your hand.  Convict us to study Your Word, so that we can take up our offensive weapon, for the enemy can’t stand in the face of the truth.  Remind us to consult You on everything.  God, we love You so much.  Help us to love You more.  We trust You, help us to trust You more.  We have faith; multiply it exponentially.  We want to experience You.  Thank You for Your Son.  It is in the beautiful, precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, that we pray.  Amen.