Whether it was baseball or football, hockey or basketball, I cannot count the number of times I watched a game standing on the sideline cheering my favorite players – my grandsons.
Since then, I have gone from sideline to training field. I am no longer on the sideline, but I am in training for what is coming. We all are. Like a high school star athlete who would be recruited by a scout to play for a certain college, we too are being recruited.
“How so?” you may ask.
Spiritually speaking, the answer is that Jesus is recruiting you and me when He said, “Come, follow Me” (Matthew 4:18, Mark 1:17). If we have said “Yes” to Jesus and now call Him Lord, we are now in training for what lies ahead.
With the Persian Gulf military activity this past weekend, citizens and travelers are urged to stay alert and be informed as governments assess the fast-evolving threats of war. We hear the name Elam in today’s news. So where is Elam? Elam became known as Persia in the Bible. Today it is called Iran. And Iran’s ultimate goal is to destroy America and then Israel.
We may tremble with apprehension as we witness Bible prophecy being fulfilled right before our eyes but hear the firm but assuring words of the Lord, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Although these words were spoken to Isaiah, the prophet, they also apply to Christians today as God’s assurance of His presence, strength, and help in times of trouble. It is a promise so that believers trust in God’s power over fear.
From training field to battlefield, we need to put on the whole armor of God which protects us from falling victim to our fierce adversary, the devil who prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Fear is one of his deadly weapons, but God overrules Satan in every circumstance casting out any fear we may have if we put our trust in Him. We can resist the devil by standing firm in our faith knowing that God is sovereign and Satan cannot overthrow God in any way, shape or form.
I know these events are happening so fast that we can hardly comprehend all that is happening, but Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
May the hope of Christ spur you on in faith. May you sense God’s presence beside you in every place you rise, every place you rest, and especially in the moments that feel uncertain.