Over the past weekend we went to watch the Protea Netball team's match against the Silver Ferns from New Zealand in Cape Town. The atmosphere was electric. Because South Africa is currently fifth in the world netball ranking compared to New Zealand's second place, the expectation was that New Zealand might have the upper hand. However, the crowd stood firmly behind the Proteas.

 

Every time the Proteas’ overturned the ball and was headed to their goals or a goal was converted, a loud cheer erupted throughout the Cape Town International Conference Centre – to such an extent that it gave you as a supporter goosebumps.

 

This experience made me think about the game of life. Every day we have two crowds watching how we live this life. On the one side of the court we have the heroes of faith that went before us. They are encouraging us to make right decisions every day. On the other we have the enemy and his minions who hope we succumb to temptation.

 

In Hebrews 12:1-2 we read: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” (NIV) In Deuteronomy 30:19 God says: "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live." (KJV)

 

When we choose to end that inappropriate relationship outside of our marriage or act with integrity (while thinking no one sees us) or when we stop gossiping stories or choose patience when dealing with our children, there is a loud cheer erupting from the crowd of heaven. In the same way, there is a loud applause from the opposite pavilion when we succumb to whatever temptation the enemy puts in our way.

 

God gave us the gift of free choice, but He also gave us the Holy Spirit who strengthens us to make the right decisions in challenging situations. Let's choose right today so that the right applause erupts. God bless.

 

Prayer: Father God, thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit in my life. Please help me to make the right decisions in every situation. I ask this in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

 

 

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