Choosing Sides

Greetings,

This past weekend I went to a volleyball tournament to support my son-in-law who coaches the varsity girls' team at St. Brendan.  Typically, if the team is playing on the left side of the court, the spectators sit on the left side of the gym to support them and vice versa.  Sometimes, however, it gets really crowded and you may find yourself sitting on the opposite side. This brought back memories of when Rayray played in high school.

One year during a regional playoff game, Jorge and I unwittingly found ourselves seated in the middle of a bunch of ravenous fans for the opposing team.  It was okay at first, until Rayray came up to serve and they started wishing she would make a mistake.  From there it escalated.  "Miss it!" "Hit it out!"  I was so uncomfortable and praying that Jorge, Rachel's biggest fan on earth, would  keep his cool. After all, he has been known to vocally express his outrage when a referee makes a dumb call!  And yes, those were my Tai Bo years, but I wasn't sure how well I'd fare if a riot broke out. Oh how I wished I were sitting with those who were for my team.

If I would have been sitting on the other side of the gym, I would have no doubt heard encouraging words.  I would have seen a group united by a common desire to see Rayray and all the girls play well.  I would have been surrounded by others who were rallying for victory.

We all have to choose between two sides as well.  Are we going to be on God's side or not?  Are we going to believe what He says or not? Are we going to do what He says or not? Are we going to choose life or death?  Are we going to rally with other brothers and sisters in Christ and encourage each other or not?  Are we going to surround ourselves with others who want us to succeed or not? Are we going to keep the faith or not?

I CHOOSE GOD.

The alternative is unacceptable.  The Bible teaches that if we choose Him we will have a blessed, good, fulfilling  life here and in eternity. (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).

PRAYER: Dear Lord, We choose You today.  Even though there are times of discouragement, You strengthen our faith to keep believing.  It is always better to stick with You because a life of faith has a promised reward.  Even when it looks like our side is losing, we know that victory is ours! Help us keep the faith, and always help us to encourage everyone who is on our side. . In Jesus' name, AMEN.