“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” — Proverbs 21:5
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If you’re at all familiar with the game of football, you’ll know that the strategy of punting is actually a very important part of the game. Sometimes, the move to punt seems obvious: The team is too far away from a first-down marker or the opportunity to score, and it’s the only play they can make without risking a turnover and potential points for the opponent.
At other times, however, the decision isn’t so straight-forward: The team is close to field-goal range or is considering going for it on fourth down, and the coaching staff must choose which move to make. If you go for the field goal and miss, the opponent starts possession where you kicked from. If the ball somehow lands in the field, they can pick it up and run with it. If you go for it on fourth down and don’t make it, the opponent takes over on downs at the spot you just were. There’s a lot to consider.
Positioning is what it all comes down to. You weigh and consider where the opposing team is, what their capabilities are, and how much of a risk you’re willing to take on that particular drive. Even when it seems like you could try for a field goal or attempt to go for it on fourth down, sometimes it’s best to play the long game and punt the ball. Trust your defense to make the plays. Rest your offense and hope for another scoring opportunity later on. Punting, while maybe not always the most exciting choice, can also be what keeps you in the game and saves you from a costly mistake down the line.
The same is true in our spiritual life. Strategy is needed if we are to be most effective at countering the moves of our enemy and showing up within the capabilities that God has given us. We need to see where our field position is and trust the plays we are receiving from our Heavenly Coach, and decide if going for the riskiest move is the best choice at this particular time.
There is a place in the game of life for a bold prayer, a big move. But sometimes, taking a step back to regroup and reset is the better decision.
Proverbs 19:2 says, “Desire without knowledge is not good — how much more will hasty feet miss the way!” You can see the potential for a particular play on the field but fail to count the cost of what it will mean if you call that play.
Wisdom always pays off. In order to be a smart coaching staff and a well-run team, you need to sometimes pick the more conservative move. It likely won’t be the flashiest but it could end up being the safest, sparing you from loss in the end.
The same goes for your personal life. Play it smart. Be wise and listen to God for the best move to make. It may not always seem like the most thrilling one, but it could be the one that keeps you from an even worse outcome.
— Katherine Singer
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