During the recent Super Bowl
game, the kickoff receiver caught the football deep in the end zone and ran like
a deer only to hit a brick wall of opposition at about the 20 yard line. Even
the announcer sounded shaken at the sudden impact felt high above the stadium.
The receiver held onto the football with a vengeance, and the opposing players'
frantic scramble to steal the ball was all in vain.
Later in the game, unable to
forget this play, I said to the Lord, "Why have I been in a season where I have
been taking so many hard hits?" The Lord answered, "Son, I have put you into the
big league. Big leagues and big hits go together!" His words were life to me.
The enemy almost convinced me, "God has left you and He doesn't care about you."
I thought it was God letting me down when He was actually raising me up.
I could
see where God was now. He was on the sideline as my coach. Coaches are not
allowed on the field when the game is going on. That's why He didn't seem near.
Could it be when we experience His awesome presence is when we are on the
sidelines with Him receiving encouragement and instructions for the next game
play? All of a sudden, I felt honored by those hits and assaults from the
opposition coming against me. They were now signs and confirmation of my
promotion. Many others have been promoted into the big league of God's kingdom
and are unaware of it. When the enemy hits you hard or life itself comes against
you, hold onto the football with both hands. Hold onto God's word that He has
spoken to you. The enemy's job is to strip the football or God's word from you.
And when you get knocked down, get up proudly, for you are in the big league and
the game is not over.
Blessings,
Bill Yount
