Run Within His Plan

[imported_rachel]

In basketball, the team with the most points at the end of the game
wins. But if we attempt to apply basketball rules to the game of
golf, we will lose every time. Golf is played with different rules
and requires a different strategy. Needless to say, it's critical to
understand the rules and values of the game in which we are competing.

A rich man came to ask Jesus how to get eternal life. He had been a
good citizen, treated others well, and accumulated much wealth; but
Jesus gave an unexpected answer: "If you want to be perfect, go, sell
your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in
Heaven. Then come, follow Me" (Matthew 19:21). The rich man failed
to see the connection and went away very sad.

Matthew 19:30
"But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be
first."

Jesus came with a message that the rules of life are not as they
seem. The first, by the world's standard, does not automatically
win. When the clock of life ticks its last, it will not be the one
with the biggest bank account, biggest house, or nicest car who will
stand victorious - it won't even be the one who pastors the largest
church, feeds the most hungry, or tells the most about
Jesus. Rather, it will only be those who do the true work God
requires; "The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has
sent" (John 6:29).

Have we completed the work of God? Do we even value this "work"?

When Jesus was asked what is the greatest commandment, He said; "Love
the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with
all your mind and with all your strength" (Mark 12:30). The greatest
commandment ought to be our greatest priority and the foundation on
which we build our life, our family, and our ministry. Though other
things may be enjoyable, important, or even necessary, they must
never be allowed to occupy the throne of our life.

Many of us feel like we're falling behind because of our decision to
follow Christ. We see others prosper and start to believe we must
compromise in order to keep pace - but the game rules have
changed! God has a different plan!! The world around us has the
wrong uniform, wrong equipment, and wrong play book. The great
deceiver would like to fill us with doubt, but we must not be swayed.

No matter how loud the competition yells that we're going the wrong
way, we must boldly continue on the path of truth. The final victory
has already been won and we are on the winning team! When God gave
His Son and told us to believe, He turned the rules of the world
upside down. Let's never forget we now live and breathe according to
a new set of rules. Let's forever follow our Coach and steadily run
within His plan!

Have a Great Day!

Steve Troxel
God's Daily Word Ministries

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