Visualize
For most of us, fighting a battle, facing transition or opposition brings our carnality to the forefront and causes us to think the worst first. The company is cutting back; "I'm going to lose my job." The check engine light just came on in the car; "The motor needs rebuilding." My child is sick; "I may have to take him to the hospital." This doesn't mean we are abnormal. That is the nature of the flesh. However, it should be a sign that we haven't learned to visualize the way God intended; with our spiritual eyes.
I know everyone doesn't like golf. But, if you ever play the game, you will gain a respect for the countless challenges it produces. The more I play, the more I appreciate and admire the skills of pros. Until recently, I never understood one of the rituals pros go through before addressing the ball. In my impatience and lack of knowledge for the mental aspect of the game, I thought it was all for show. I'm referring to when a player stands a small distance directly behind the ball for a few seconds (seems like minutes) before addressing the ball. I thought it was something taught to everyone on tour for more television time. I had innocent ignorance - ignorance none the less. I finally learned that the player takes that time to visualize the shot in expectance of the best results. They are properly trained to address the ball, swing, make great contact, and expect to see what they visualized no matter how difficult the circumstances of their shot may be.
What an image for the Christian believer. We claim to have faith in an omnipotent, omniscient God. Yet, for some reason we continue to think the worst first. What if we didn't rush to address the challenge without first stepping back to visualize the best results. That sounds like a familiar, important part of our image - faith.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
We should know the results will be positive because of whom we serve. We have been trained to pray, believe, and serve. We just need to visualize the way God visualizes. What are we expecting? It shouldn't be the worst first. It should be the best first. Ok, you don't have to agree with me. Listen to your Heavenly Father...
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'"
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
I know everyone doesn't like golf. But, if you ever play the game, you will gain a respect for the countless challenges it produces. The more I play, the more I appreciate and admire the skills of pros. Until recently, I never understood one of the rituals pros go through before addressing the ball. In my impatience and lack of knowledge for the mental aspect of the game, I thought it was all for show. I'm referring to when a player stands a small distance directly behind the ball for a few seconds (seems like minutes) before addressing the ball. I thought it was something taught to everyone on tour for more television time. I had innocent ignorance - ignorance none the less. I finally learned that the player takes that time to visualize the shot in expectance of the best results. They are properly trained to address the ball, swing, make great contact, and expect to see what they visualized no matter how difficult the circumstances of their shot may be.
What an image for the Christian believer. We claim to have faith in an omnipotent, omniscient God. Yet, for some reason we continue to think the worst first. What if we didn't rush to address the challenge without first stepping back to visualize the best results. That sounds like a familiar, important part of our image - faith.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)
We should know the results will be positive because of whom we serve. We have been trained to pray, believe, and serve. We just need to visualize the way God visualizes. What are we expecting? It shouldn't be the worst first. It should be the best first. Ok, you don't have to agree with me. Listen to your Heavenly Father...
"'For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.'"
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NIV)
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