The Attack

My son Peyton has had a really busy basketball season lately. We’re constantly taking him to basketball practices and games all over town.

I was sitting at one of his games and it dawned on me that the opposing team’s defense specifically targets the better players. After the opposing team observed my son’s team, they began to plan their defense based on it.

The word God gave me was our lives are much like my son’s basketball team. We’re constantly trying to plan, prepare, and execute all while dealing with the attacks of the opposing team or the enemy. The enemy attacks us all but have you ever realized that some are attacked more than others?

I believe those who are attacked more represent the better players on the basketball team. The opponents recognize the capabilities, talents, and potential and they begin to block and defend. Much like the enemy. He looks to block and defend his purpose and way. He sees your God-given ability, your talents, your work for the Kingdom of God, and the light that you carry and he attacks you the most. You’re the better player.

I immediately think of Job from the Bible. He was a good man and he had everything he’d ever wanted and needed. He had a wife and children and wealth. He was upright. He obeyed God.

He was so good that the devil approached God about tempting Job. The devil believed that if God took everything away from Job, his family, his children, his belongings, his health, etc. that Job would rebel against God.

God knew he wouldn’t. As time went on, God removed everything from Job. His wife, children, his wealth and his health and do you know Job remained loyal to God? He continued to be who God had called him to be. Even when everything failed around him and was removed from him, he still praised God! He wasn’t tempted.

Job represents the great basketball player! He was so good and lived his life for God and subsequently was attacked by the enemy the most!

His loyalty to God earned him complete restoration. Everything that he loss, God replaced with more.

Do you feel like you’ve been attacked over and over again? Like you just don’t understand why? It’s because you are a valuable asset to the Kingdom of God and the enemy knows it. It’s because you’re doing it right!

There’d be no need to attack what isn’t a threat. There’d be no need to defend if you weren’t so strong in Christ! Robbers don’t rob empty homes; they steal from places that have valuables. You are valuable!

It’s in our attacks, setbacks, disappointments, struggles, and failures that present more of an opportunity to rely on God. Everything ultimately works together for our good even when we don’t understand. Don’t give up; give it to God! Recognize that you are one of God’s greatest players! God bless you on your journey!