Get in Position

A few weeks ago, I was sitting in rush hour traffic when I heard the still small words “get in position” echo in my ear. I flashed back to 2006 when I played for my middle school’s 8th grade volleyball team. 

Tryouts were at 6:00 am sharp. All the girls lined the court, eager to see if they had what it took to make the team. While I didn’t have an athletic bone in my body at the time, I was hopeful. 

One of the first lessons the coach taught was the proper passing stance. “Getting in position” meant curving your back so that your chest is upright, extending your arms out straight, slightly bending your knees, and standing on the “balls of your feet”, so that you were ready to move quickly in any direction. When the season started, I learned just how valuable that lesson was. 

My small stature kept me in the “left back” defensive position. My sole objective was to keep the offensive ball from hitting the floor. As long as I was “in position” I could move swiftly across the back court, bumping every ball that flew in my direction. However, the minute I got out of the passing stance, whether it was to wipe the sweat from my brow, or to take a breather, I’d miss the ball, allowing the other team to score.

I flashed forward to reality and the light bulb clicked on. I knew exactly what God meant when He whispered the words “get in position.” Just as I had adapted the volleyball passing stance, I’d have to be in the right position to receive the “ball” of blessings coming my way. 

Are you prepared for God to open a door in your life? Maybe you’re hoping for a job promotion, searching for a community of believers to connect with,or waiting to cross paths with your purpose partner. Follow these five steps to “get in position” to receive all that God has for you;  

STEP 1: Close doors on distractions

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

Satan disguises himself as everything you desire. He’s the job offer willing to pay you a higher salary. He’s the close friend you think you can’t live without. He’s the tall, dark and handsome man you’re convinced is Mr. Right. Yet, because he’s the father of lies, God will always reveal his true intentions. That job is really meant to steer you away from your purpose.That inseparable friend, who you’re unequally yoked with, is pushing you further from Christ. Mr. Right is actually Mr. Wrong. 

If the enemy can’t destroy you, he’ll send a distraction to throw you off course. God warns us to keep watch of the devil, who “prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Don’t block your blessings wasting time, close the doors on distractions! 

STEP 2: Resist the temptation to turn back

“...I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” (Philippians 3:13)

If you’ve ever ran a race, you know the worst thing to do is to look back at your opponent while you’re sprinting toward the finish line. Turning around can break your momentum, deteriorate your form, and diminish your confidence. The same rule applies to walking with Christ. 

We as believers must keep our eyes focused on Jesus. Yet, for most that’s easier said then done. When the Lord pulls us away from what’s not good for us, whether it be an old job, friend, or lover, we’re often tempted to turn back to what’s comfortable, especially if we’re unsure of what lies ahead. In Philippians, Apostle Paul focuses on “...forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” We should all strive to be more like Paul. 

STEP 3: Focus on purpose

“Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.” (Colossians 3:23)

Now that you’ve cutt off distractions, and fled the temptation to go back to what’s comfortable, it’s time to focus on what lies ahead– purpose. God has given all of us a specific purpose to pursue while we’re here on Earth. When we’re laser focused on our “why,” we find the fulfillment we’ve been longing for.  

As believers, we all have one unified mission–to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Nonetheless, everyone has a different path to purpose, depending on the gifts God has blessed them with. For example, I’m using this blog to glorify God, because I’ve been told I have the “gift of gab”, or the ability to easily persuade people through my words. Whatever the task, God encourages you to “working willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than people.” (Colossians 3:23) 

STEP 4: Feed yourself with Truth 

“Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable.” (Phillipians 4:8)

It’s no secret there’s a battle going on within our minds on a daily basis. In fact, studies show 80 percent of our thoughts are considered negative. The last step to “Get in Position” is to feed yourself with God’s truth. 

In Phillipians 4:8, God leads you to “fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure…” That means we must make a constant effort to fill our minds with the word of God, whether it be digesting a daily devotional, watching a spirit-led sermon, or reading this blog post. Do whatever you can to fix your thoughts on Him. 

Sincerely,

The Saved Single Mommy 

Do you want to choose Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life? 

Pray this prayer;  

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank you for dying on the cross for my sin.

Please forgive me.

Come into my life.

I receive You as my Lord and Savior.

Now, help me to live for you the rest of this life.

In the name of Jesus, I pray.

Amen.