I played basketball in high school. Our team obtained the title of district champions four years in a row. How did we become champions? Through practice and discipline. We had a coach who guided us, led our drills, and encouraged us to give 110% in practice. If we made stupid mistakes, he would get mad because he knew we could do better. He had consequences for the team if we slacked off in practice or got in trouble in school. He wasn’t trying to put us down or punish us but encouraging us to be better as the successful young ladies and team he knew we could be. In the end, we rose to the challenge and became champions.

God is our coach, guiding us in how to win and overcome the Enemy. Some say the rules God has set before us can be harsh and suffocating. But what coach lets their players indulge in what’s clearly bad for them? If they allowed their players to make these poor decisions then it would impact their outcomes in their games. God is not the type of coach who will ignore or expel His players. He is the type who never gives up on His players and strives for their success over the Enemy. So let’s not blame or get mad at God for the discipline He gives us. Let’s learn from it and start working on our own discipline, giving our 110% in our fight against the Enemy.

How can we give God our 110%? What is one thing about ourselves that we can work on?

Lord, grant us the patience and spiritual endurance to follow you. Amen.