You ever notice how much space is taken up with the idea of how Jesus helps us with our problems?

When we talk about having confidence in Christ, it’s usually elaborated on in the context of how needy and pointless our lives are and it’s through Jesus – our big, warm, fuzzy blanket – that we’re able to enjoy that warm hug and affirming cup of hot cocoa that we’re able to get back out there and “be encouraged.”

There is a very large, emotional hole that can only be filled with God’s overwhelming Power and Substance. Sometimes, you don’t just pull yourself up by your own bootstraps, suck it up and move on without being compelled to drag behind you a heart that’s in tatters. Nothing is “fixed.” You’re just pretending to be OK so you can pose as a healthy human being when, in fact, you’re not. In order to mend, you need a Perspective and a Peace that requires Divine Intervention.

That Resource is very much a part of God’s Salvation package. His Spirit in you gives you the ability to rise above what would otherwise drive and pound your vessel into the rocks over and over again. It’s awesome, it’s necessary and it works.

But there’s more to life than simply “healing” all the time. You can’t allow yourself to be in sick bay every day of the week. At some point, you’ve got to get your boots on. Suit up! Get some offense on the field and put some distance between yourself and the idea that life is nothing more than defending yourself against attacks, trials and difficulties.

You have a reason to be “positive.” Quit whinin’! Stop lamenting how terrible your world is. You’re not here to make an appearance, you’re here to make a difference.

Go!

Become!

Move!

Pick up the ball and advance that thing beyond the line of scrimmage (Phil 3:14). Set your eyes on the goal and sprint! Don’t just settle for a first down and don’t depend on the referee calling “off sides” so you can celebrate a five yard gain.

for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. (Phil 2:13)

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. (Ps 139:16)

There’s a purpose to your being here, and it’s not defined exclusively in terms of your business card or your checking account. What matters most is that which outlasts you, your car and your resume. It’s a Purpose that is Divinely crafted and it translates to events and interactions that resonate for all eternity. It’s not accompanied by an orchestral soundtrack and a chorus of angelic sopranos. It’s mud, it’s sweat, it’s work. It’s motivating, it’s challenging, it’s fulfilling. It’s at the workplace, it’s in the gym… “all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work (2 Cor 9:8).”

God is not a file folder, He’s the filing cabinet. Your life belongs to Him (Is 43:1) and that’s a good thing because it’s Him working in and through you (Phil 2:13) that translates to an authentic “life” and not just an “existence” (Jn 10:10).”

The game is not won by playing defense all the time. It’s not just a matter of protecting yourself or constantly nursing yourself back to health. Get out there! Put some offense on the field and let God govern your disposition, direct your words and your thoughts and move you in a direction that translates to yet another batch of points that shows up on the only scoreboard that really matters (2 Cor 3:18)!

Bring it!