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I’m not sure how the basketball season works, but my brother was on a team and the season finished; now he’s looking to join another team. I took him for this tryout, and it was terrifying. All of the previous teams he had played for and against were made up of boys his age, but these boys were big and intimidating. They weren’t jumping to make a basket, but rather flying.This other world looked nothing like the one he was used to, so he had to choose between becoming stronger and learning to fly like the other boys or staying out. He came home with a swollen nose because one of the boys elbowed his face.
I’ve failed the same test three times. God has put me through the same test THREE times, and it wasn’t until I failed the final time that I realized I’d seen something similar previously. I failed the first one so badly that I had a mental breakdown the morning after; I called one of my shepherds and cried my eyes out. These tests have been in front of others.I was ashamed the first time, partially because I failed so miserably and I wasn’t the only one there to see it. I was attempting to prove a point that did not require proving-*cough* pride. Pride and impatience have dragged me through different types of mug throughout my walk with God; let’s leave that testimony for another day.
This world is not for the weak. Unlike my brother, we don’t get to choose if we get to stay out because we are already here. That, I believe, is why so many young people today suffer from mental health issues. However, Jesus did tell us.
Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
I have always wanted to appear innocent and nice, because that is what a Christian should do, right? that I overlooked the serpent’s strength and wisdom. I am not saying that being nice and innocent are a crime, but keep a firm balance. Snakes aren’t weaklings. Have you ever witnessed someone try to uncoil a snake’s coils from someone or something? Jesus could have chosen a different example, but he chose this one. Don’t we get it?!
Jesus knew that He had equipped His disciples to not just survive in the midst of wolves but to thrive; I don’t think He would have sent them otherwise. Remember Jesus said that He wouldn’t leave the sheep for the wolf to come and take them away, but He is the same one sending them now in the midst of the same wolves.
John 10:11-12
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep. So when he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf attacks the flock and scatters it.
I wonder how He feels when the things He battled to give us authority over are now overpowering us. When I began to reflect on the tests that I had failed, I was flooded with appreciation to the Lord for ensuring that I am properly equipped. What a wonderful father He is!! Next time, it’s a win.
Again, this world is not a friend to the weak. Be strong, child of God.
