Sports Spectrum Daily Devotional: Wednesday, January 22

“We, however, will not boast beyond proper limits, but will confine our boasting to the sphere of service God Himself has assigned to us, a sphere that also includes you.” — 2 Corinthians 10:13

Spiritual Crossover

You are finally making progress and moving forward in your walk with God. You have experienced true spiritual victory in areas that normally cause you to stumble. Then out of nowhere, as if the enemy has put on a full-court press, your spiritual life is now a series of double dribbles, missed free throws and technical fouls.

What just happened? How did victory turn into defeat so quickly?

In basketball, when the defensive player is guarding you so tight that you can barely breathe, you have to learn to create space. Every player knows the crossover dribble is one of the most effective ways to alleviate heavy defensive pressure. Tim Hardaway and Allen Iverson were masters of the crossover “break your ankles” dribble. If executed correctly, the defensive player will go in the opposite direction and it will result in a wide-open jump shot or an uncontested layup.

Have you developed a spiritual crossover dribble? The Bible is clear that if we resist the devil, he will go in the opposite direction and flee. God has promised to always provide a way of escape; that is, He shows us a clear path to safety.

It is time to start practicing the necessary spiritual footwork and Biblical life skills so we can execute a spiritual crossover when the enemy intensifies his attacks. Loving God and applying His Word will teach you how to recognize the path of escape in times of temptation.

— Sam Johnson, San Antonio Spurs chaplain

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