I love tennis. I took it up about a year and a half ago, and it has been such a blessing. Not only do I love playing, but it helps me keep in shape along with my other exercise routines, and I have made so many great friends.
Once a week we have "clinic", where our whole team gets together and learns new techniques and practices playing. Our tennis pro is always full of tips and advice, but this week he said something that stuck in my brain.
Once a week we have "clinic", where our whole team gets together and learns new techniques and practices playing. Our tennis pro is always full of tips and advice, but this week he said something that stuck in my brain.
He was explaining how important court position is, and that where we are on the court could determine whether or not we keep the ball in play. Then he said, " you cant control what is going on in the court, but you can always control where you stand." Hmmmm.
I began thinking about how that statement applied to our life. We cant control what happens in the world, but we can control where we stand on those issues.
We have no power over the sex, drugs and violence that comes on TV.
We have no power over what movies are coming out in the theatres, or the fact that the ratings are far too lenient, and most PG-13 movies are really not suitable for anyone under 18. Lets not even discuss the rated R movies.
We have no power to control other peoples behaviors, religious beliefs, democrats, republicans, laws, gas prices, politics in the workplace, backstabbing, unethical practices, grocery prices, job losses, insurance companies, foul language in our schools, homosexuality, smoking, drug use, drunk drivers, or peer pressure against our children.
We have no power over the sex, drugs and violence that comes on TV.
We have no power over what movies are coming out in the theatres, or the fact that the ratings are far too lenient, and most PG-13 movies are really not suitable for anyone under 18. Lets not even discuss the rated R movies.
We have no power to control other peoples behaviors, religious beliefs, democrats, republicans, laws, gas prices, politics in the workplace, backstabbing, unethical practices, grocery prices, job losses, insurance companies, foul language in our schools, homosexuality, smoking, drug use, drunk drivers, or peer pressure against our children.
Proverbs 20:5 says, "Knowing what is right is like deep water in the heart; a wise person draws from the well within" (The Message)
It is true, we have no power to control our surroundings and the falls of this world, but we have the power of God behind us to stand up for what is right, even if it means going against the current.
Our enemy gives us lots of opportunities to follow his ways, instead of Gods ways each day. From little white lies which will protect our best interest, to major sin that we keep hidden in our hearts, opportunities abound. Our only hope is to be prepared to stand tall and firm, despite what the opposition may bring.
Life is kind of like a tennis court. We each have our side. We try to stay on the right side, but sometimes the balls that get thrown at us are either difficult to handle, cause us to stumble, force us to make challenging decisions, or throw us off course. But if we choose the right court position, that is, to stay on Gods side and choose Him as our partner, we are much more likely to exercise the power we have within us, deep in the wells of our hearts, to do what it is right in Gods eyes...... knowing in our hearts that what is right in Gods eyes, is not always accepted by those around us. That is why we are called to take up our cross and follow Him.
It is true, we have no power to control our surroundings and the falls of this world, but we have the power of God behind us to stand up for what is right, even if it means going against the current.
Our enemy gives us lots of opportunities to follow his ways, instead of Gods ways each day. From little white lies which will protect our best interest, to major sin that we keep hidden in our hearts, opportunities abound. Our only hope is to be prepared to stand tall and firm, despite what the opposition may bring.
Life is kind of like a tennis court. We each have our side. We try to stay on the right side, but sometimes the balls that get thrown at us are either difficult to handle, cause us to stumble, force us to make challenging decisions, or throw us off course. But if we choose the right court position, that is, to stay on Gods side and choose Him as our partner, we are much more likely to exercise the power we have within us, deep in the wells of our hearts, to do what it is right in Gods eyes...... knowing in our hearts that what is right in Gods eyes, is not always accepted by those around us. That is why we are called to take up our cross and follow Him.
Remember that we do not do what is right to make God love us more, but we do what is right so that other people can see God in us. People are always watching where we stand, and how our court position affects how we live our lives. Christians can be a loud player for Christ, wihtout ever saying a word, depending on what court position they choose. Where will you stand today?
(Below is a picture of me (2nd from left) and a few of my sweet tennis buddies!)
(Below is a picture of me (2nd from left) and a few of my sweet tennis buddies!)
1 comment:
"You can't control what is going on in the court, but you can always control where you stand."
Powerful thought. As I read your post, I was thinking that I can't control my circumstances, but I can control my reactions. Will I take a stand with obedience and "in everything give thanks"? Will I rejoice always? Will I pray without ceasing? Will I be strong and courageous? Will I not worry about anything?
Longing to be found standing on His Word and His promises,
Joy
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