For Lord’s Day, February 24, 2013

Dear Saints,

When you fall short of your goals, especially spiritually and morally as a Christian, how do you handle your setbacks?  Let me encourage you to set up your next shot.

What do I mean?  In his book, Love and Respect, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs talks about the need to rebound after a fall:

“Many basketball coaches put almost as much emphasis on rebounding as they do on shooting.  Great players always chase down rebounds at both ends of the court.  They pick up on the angle of the missed shot and position themselves to be in the right spot when the ball comes down off the rim.  In many cases, after recovering the ball, they score a basket and get fouled in the process.  Any coach will tell you good rebounding will keep his team in the game … Never give up.  When you miss, rebound!”

In this light, he shares the following verse:  “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” (Proverb 24:16)

The person who keeps trying is the one who is just.  The person who gives up is the one who is wicked.

Keep shooting, saints.  As it has been said, “Shoot for the stars, and you may just hit the moon.”  And don’t forget to work with the team all around you.  You’re not alone.  Keep rebounding.  For when you do make those baskets, you’ll be glad you didn’t lay on the court with the squeaks of everyone else’s sneakers moving all around your head.  And you’ll get better at your aim every time you get back on your feet, adjust, and take another shot.  And God will glorify Himself in you:

• “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” (Psa 34:19)
• “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.  Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24)
• “Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the LORD shall be a light unto me.” (Micah 7:8)

So much of life is learning to rebound, isn’t it?  And being quicker about it.  Not staring at the ball bouncing away from you, but running after it and grabbing it again, and taking your next shot.  So, what will be your next move on the court of life?

Semper Reformanda,

Pastor Grant