On the Court: Part II
The faith illustration didn’t stop there for me, however.
The coach’s instruction, audible to those listening intently, was one simple word: “Doubles.” The girls immediately shifted their defensive strategy and double-teamed their tall, ball-carrying opponent.
We’re not meant to go through life alone.
Especially when facing challenges or a powerful adversary. God calls us to a strategy of ‘doubles.’
Calling the Twelve to him, [Jesus] began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits. These were his instructions: “Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts. Wear sandals but not an extra shirt.”
— Mark 6:7-9 NIV
Jesus commissioned them to ministry and evangelism with no extra provisions. The only thing He deemed essential was a companion with whom to share the journey.
Paul’s exhortation to the Galatians is equally compelling. He explains the importance of loving one another as fulfillment of the entire law (Galatians 5:14). He goes on to explain that carrying one another’s burdens is a demonstration of that love:
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
— Galatians 6:2 NIV
The context of the passage is sin and temptation. Paul’s words indicate we all will struggle and are wise to recognize the benefit — and necessity — of a a friend to help us bear up under those burdens. More convicting still are the words that immediately follow, pointing out that we fool ourselves into thinking we are strong enough to go it alone:
If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.
— Galatians 6:3 NIV
What burden are you currently carrying alone? What keeps you from asking for help with the load? Is it fear of rejection or shame? Or do you ‘deceive yourself’ into thinking you should be able to handle it on your own?
Our Coach already made the call: “Doubles.”
The question that remains is whether we, as the players, will heed His instructions. If we know we need a Coach, shouldn’t we listen to Him?
- Coaches have the benefit of experience. Our all-knowing God existed before time.
- Coaches stand outside the play, their observations encompass the whole picture so their calls aren’t limited to merely what’s obvious to the player. God Himself orchestrates the details to bring all things together for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
- When players don’t heed their coaches instructions, the entire team usually suffers, even if it ends up recorded in the ‘W’ column. In much the same way, the Body doesn’t function at its best when we, individually and collectively, don’t align ourselves with God’s design for us to love one another well and share each other’s burdens.
Will you choose to ‘double up’ today?
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
— Ecclesiastes 4:11-13 NIV
That Eccl verse is a long-time favorite, Kirsten. We deceive ourselves when we think we can/should carry our burdens alone.
And I know I’ve deceived myself at times! Trying to carry this lesson forward in life. Thanks, Susan.
That Eccl verse is a long-time favorite, Kirsten. We deceive ourselves when we think we can/should carry our burdens alone.
That Eccl verse is a long-time favorite, Kirsten. We deceive ourselves when we think we can/should carry our burdens alone.
And I know I’ve deceived myself at times! Trying to carry this lesson forward in life. Thanks, Susan.
“Two are better than one, ” . . . I love verse 9 & 10 too.
You’re so right on this Kirsten and I believe it is hindering the church worldwide – it’s time to be authentic and share our lives with others.
God bless you!
Hester, 😉
“Two are better than one, ” . . . I love verse 9 & 10 too.
You’re so right on this Kirsten and I believe it is hindering the church worldwide – it’s time to be authentic and share our lives with others.
God bless you!
Hester, 😉
“Two are better than one, ” . . . I love verse 9 & 10 too.
You’re so right on this Kirsten and I believe it is hindering the church worldwide – it’s time to be authentic and share our lives with others.
God bless you!
Hester, 😉
Standing shoulder to shoulder, right, Hester?
Some of my go-to people are: Jason, Breanna Feraci Eaton, Christi Ann, Vicki McBride, my mom Jennifer Williams (of course!), my sister Jessica Jewett, Katie Shaver Fritzley, YOU, and many more. I am blessed with so many supportive and wonderful people in my life.
Some of my go-to people are: Jason, Breanna Feraci Eaton, Christi Ann, Vicki McBride, my mom Jennifer Williams (of course!), my sister Jessica Jewett, Katie Shaver Fritzley, YOU, and many more. I am blessed with so many supportive and wonderful people in my life.
So flattered by this, Em! As you are one of my go-to people as well! Love you dearly my sweet, safe, friend! <3
So flattered by this, Em! As you are one of my go-to people as well! Love you dearly my sweet, safe, friend! <3
So flattered by this, Em! As you are one of my go-to people as well! Love you dearly my sweet, safe, friend! <3
So flattered by this, Em! As you are one of my go-to people as well! Love you dearly my sweet, safe, friend! <3
Thanks sweetie! Love you, too! <3
Thanks sweetie! Love you, too! <3
Thanks sweetie! Love you, too! <3
Thanks sweetie! Love you, too! <3
[…] has been playing basketball in a non-school league, as mentioned in On the Court: Part I and Part II. During exactly the same timeframe, she’s also been competing on her school’s track […]
[…] has been playing basketball in a non-school league, as mentioned in On the Court: Part I and Part II. During exactly the same timeframe, she’s also been competing on her school’s track […]
[…] has been playing basketball in a non-school league, as mentioned in On the Court: Part I and Part II. During exactly the same timeframe, she’s also been competing on her school’s track […]