Confidence in Conflict

In 2019, Cori Gauff became the youngest tennis player since 1991 to win in the first round of the ladies’ singles at Wimbledon. Imagine being 15 and playing on such a grand stage. Now imagine playing that match against your very own childhood hero, Venus Williams.

            What do you do during times of uncertainty and there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight? What about when the task ahead of you seems greater than you feel you are equipped to handle?

            This reminds me of the story of David and Goliath. Anyone on the outside looking in at this match would’ve deemed this an unfair fight. David, the young shepherd boy, versus Goliath, the Philistine Giant. But David knew that his God was in control and if he won, it would be God’s victory. He declined Saul’s offer to use his armor and went forth with only his sling and stones.

So again, I ask, “How can you face uncertainty, or even intimidating situations, with confidence?”

            In an interview after her win, Cori Gauff was asked, “How did you stay so composed during the match?” She answered that she had to keep reminding herself that even though the court and the stands were much bigger than she was used to, the lines on the court were exactly the same.

Here are some lessons we can learn from our two stories.

#1. When everything around you seems uncertain, focus on the One who doesn’t change.

            Just like studying the lines on the court helped keep Cori grounded during her historic match, there is comfort and security in knowing that God’s never-changing and His promises in the Bible are valid for us today too. This can give us confidence to face the most intimidating circumstance.

#2. When you feel like you are in over your head, trust that God called the right person for the job!

            Slaying Goliath was a task that God had specifically called David for. He couldn’t go about it Saul’s way. Saul tried to give him the appearance of a seasoned warrior, but David knew he would be more successful if he played to his own strengths.

If you are struggling to find peace in the uncertainty, hold onto the Changeless One, rest in His promises, and trust that He has equipped you to face any giant that may come against you.

Tongue Control

If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. - James 1:26 NLT

            Several years ago I had oral surgery to have my wisdom teeth removed. I was not put out for the surgery, I was given novacane to deaden the feeling in my mouth while the surgeon removed the teeth

            After the surgery, it took a couple of hours to regain feeling in my mouth. My lips and tongue had no feeling at all, which made it difficult to talk and be understood. I had no physical control of my tongue! I was glad when the novacane wore off, although it did bring me pain for quite a while when I began to feel the effects of what the novacane was suppressing.

            I am reminded of today's verse in James 1:26, "If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless."

            As believers, we should work to control our tongue. Our words have a lot of power, which can be used for good or bad. When we allow our tongues to be out of control, we may not feel it right away but we (and many times others) will eventually feel the pain of our actions. We should be intentional and conscious about our words and how they will effect others as well as our witness as believers.

How is your tongue control?

Look, Listen, and Live

Look, listen, and live. Although the phrase is widely recognized as a way of teaching safety habits when around railroad crossings, it also holds some valuable advice for the Christian.

            To a nonbeliever, the Christian life may simply look like a list of do’s and don’ts. In fact, the list of don’ts can sometimes seem so great that it can discourage people from really committing their lives to God. We’ve all heard the excuse, “There’s too much I’d have to give up if I became a Christian.” While following God should result in a life change, this process has to start with the heart.

The first reason we choose to do God’s will is because we love Him.

Jesus said in John 14:15,  “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”

            A good leader leads with influence, not out of force. God is all-powerful, but He never forces us to follow Him because it wouldn’t be genuine. God desires true worshippers who follow because they love Him.

The second reason we choose do what God says is because it leads to life.

The book of Proverbs, a book all about the acquisition of wisdom, tells the value of following good instruction.

“My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments; for the length of days and years of life and peace will be added to you.”
-Proverbs 3:1-2

“For the commandment is a lamp and the teaching is a light; and reproofs for discipline are the way of life.”
-Proverbs 6:23

            As Christians, we don’t just obey God or follow His rules because “He says so”. We do it because we know that His plans for us are good. Jesus said that He came so we may live life abundantly, so why do we sometimes act like becoming a Christian puts us in a straight jacket? Let’s start flipping that perspective. Following God is a pathway to freedom, not bondage.

All you have to do is…

1. Look to Jesus
2. Listen to His Commands
3. Live It Out

            And we choose to do this because of the love we have for God and because we know His way is the only way that leads to abundant life!

Hurt Shouldn't Hurt Your Hope

Pain is a part of everyone's path. Don't let pain turn you away from God, let it turn you towards Him. Here are a few reasons why Hurt Shouldn't Hurt Your Hope.

Reason #1
God can bring purpose out of our pain. God can take your worst experiences in life and turn them for your good. Where some may have intended to do you harm, God can use it to help you. Perhaps your scars can carry a greater purpose beyond your own pain. God turns messes into masterpieces all the time. Don't run from the One who can redeem, renew, and restore.

(Verses to Read: Romans 8:28, Genesis 50:20, Isaiah 53:4-5)

Reason #2
Pain, like a fire, can purify us. Character is forged and personal growth is sparked when we are tested. Pain can either burn us or build us. It can take our life or take the things out of our life that are holding us back. It's about the perspective you take and the people you are walking with. God will walk through the fire with you. Don't go at it alone and take heart because, "When it feels like you're down to nothing, God's probably up to something."

(Verses to Read: Daniel Ch. 3, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7).

Reason #3
Jesus understands our pain. It is a comforting fact to know that Jesus has experienced the worst that life has to offer and can empathize with us. It is a reminder of the love and compassion that is at the heart of God. Jesus willingly subjected himself to persecution for our sake. He loves us and understands our plight better than we do ourselves. Don't let pain harden your heart, rather to turn to God. Jesus’s hurt is our healing. You will find comfort, communion, and courage knowing that you are not alone.

(Verses to Read: Hebrews 2:17-18, Hebrews 4:14-16, 2 Corinthians 1:3-7).

Reason #4
Jesus conquered in the midst of pain and suffering. Jesus not only experienced the worst that life had to offer, but He conquered it as well. When Jesus rose from the grave, He claimed a victory over sin and death. They have no power over Him. He has all the authority. Pain doesn't get the final word. Sickness doesn't get the final word. Cancer doesn't get the final word. Not death, not sin, not Satan. Only Jesus. He gets the final word. Jesus has the power to do something about our pain. And it's not just a momentary measure; it's a permanent plan. One day there will be no more pain because of Jesus our Conquering King. In the meantime, you don't have to be a victim of your suffering. You can have victory in spite of your suffering just like Jesus.

(Verses to Read: 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, Revelation 21:4-6, Romans 8:31-39).

Reason #5
God's reward is reserved for those with a godly resolve. The Bible is clear that it is the one who endures, overcomes, and is victorious that will inherit God's reward of eternal life. Don't let suffering turn you away from what God has in store for you in Christ Jesus. Don't let today's problem make you miss tomorrow's party. There's no comparison. Strengthen your resolve in the midst of your pain. And what is our resolve you might ask? To put all my faith in Christ's sufficiency to save me from my sins, to sustain me through life, and to secure me for heaven. You have to keep the faith. He's the only way. It's simply Jesus. Don't toss Jesus to the side because life is hard. He didn't come to make our lives convenient; He came to save us. The crown of thorns precedes the crown of glory. Don't let pain make you miss out on God's greatest gift. Hang onto Jesus with every fiber of your being. He is all we really got in the end and He's enough.

(Verses to Read: Romans 8:18, Revelation 2:8-11, John 14:1-6).