Ready:   

“You were running well. Who prevented you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.” – Galatians 5:7-8

Set:   

While watching a women’s high school basketball game, I noticed something that I’d never seen before. Before and after some of the opposing girls would play in the game, they’d run up to a mat that was on the ground, and they’d scuff their shoes on it. I didn’t understand what they were doing at first, but as I watched them, I saw that this kept their shoes from slipping while they were running on the court. It did this by removing excess dirt from the soles of their shoes. Those who used the mat had more traction in their running. The girls who didn’t use the mat ended up slipping and falling on the court. A few players were even sidelined with sprained ankles.   

Is that not the same thing that happens to us as we grow older in this sinful world? The more we walk out our life, the dirtier our shoes become and the harder our flesh fights against our spirit. The sticky mat comes in the form of the Word of God. The only way we can stand firm as we go up against our opponent is through establishing our feet in God’s Word. As we spend time in His Word each day, He washes our feet, making them clean to stand firm on the slippery courts of life. Life without God’s Word leads to much frustration and injuries that could’ve been avoided. Thankfully with the sticky mat, there are enough sheets on it to have a fresh sheet for each game. Similarly, God’s Word is sufficient for every single day that we walk this earth. His Word can keep us firm through the most intense moments of life on and off the court.   

Many mistakenly see God’s Word as a killjoy, but it’s actually what helps us to truly enjoy life to the fullest. In a basketball game, nobody enjoys falling down, sliding past their opponent, spraining ankles and getting sidelined. But an athlete THRIVES when their shoes are sticky and they’re keeping up with their opponent, playing the game of their life. Scripture is literally the sticky mat that gives you the ability to play the game of your life and keep your footing. John 8:32 tells us that when we know the truth, it will set us free. It sets us free from sin, but it also sets us free to truly experience life the way God intends us to.     

Go:   

1. Which areas of your life are slippery and need to be cleaned by God’s Word to help you firm your footing? 

2. Is there something or someone in your life that is preventing you from obeying the truth?  

Workout:

Overtime: