College wrestling is a game of dexterity. It’s also a game of intrigue, with all the plotting and false moves that trick an opponent into giving away his weaknesses, and therefore, giving up the victory to the better gamer.
Of course, having a strong arm can’t be dismissed, either.
As Christians, sometimes we feel we’re wrestling our way into heaven. We daily stand opposite our opponent, and the game of intrigue grinds at our stamina. We parry, maneuvering into position, only to find our foe has seen through our plans, and he is there, already prepared to take us down. Why us, we cry!
Ephesians 6:12 tells us the frustrations we sometimes harbor are more than just twinges of self-pity. We are indeed wrestling against the evil one, and we need to understand our Christian walk that way. Let’s read Paul’s words:
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.”
So, if that’s the way it is, then we can have only one response.
Game on!
Our success strategies are laid out in the book of Galatians. If we follow these wrestling techniques, we will quickly put the enemy in a choke hold that he will never escape from, and we will know the spiritual freedom that comes with having Jesus as our coach and guide.
Galatians 5:16 gives us a daily menu that will bolster our stamina.
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
When we are fed by the spirit, our spiritual muscle will grow accordingly. We will soon be able to overpower any attack by the devil.
Galatians 5:1 describes our fighting stance, for with it, we will intimidate our opponent.
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
When we are in Christ, we can flex our spiritual muscles, and the shackles of the world will fall from our shoulders. The enemy in the ring with us will shake in fear, for he knows all his plans will be as nothing against us.
Galatians 2:20 explains why we cannot fail; this is our training pep-talk.
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
This is our backup plan, our pep talk; and even more, it is the core of our confidence. We have no wrestling prowess in ourselves. Our muscle in the spiritual ring is in the mighty arm of God, offered to us in the person of Jesus, and culminated at the cross.
Are we getting it, yet? It is game on, and we cannot lose. Why? We have Jesus as our champion.
Let’s say it one more time: Game On!
When Jesus is our muscle, it’s game over for the devil.
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