Corona Devo 2062

What does it take to "win" in life?  That's the golden question isn't it?  And the answer seems to be a secret to most.  

How to prepare.  How to proceed.  How to decide/determine/detect which direction to go in, and which decisions to make?  

What's the secret?  

Everyone wants to know how to succeed, but few people ever figure out the secret or the steps, or the understanding that leads to "winning" in life.

The "secret" to figuring out how to live life well is that...it's no secret.  In fact, the instructions are all written out neatly for us in a book called The Bible.  Everything that we need to know, in order to succeed in life...(everything!) is in there.  

It's no secret at all---God shares His Truth plainly through His written Word, and if we will receive His instruction (Scripture), and better yet...if we will live in community with others (family/friends/co-workers/ teammates) and live-it-out-together...well, then we have won at life.

And this has always been God's plan for those that seek Him.  The earliest Believers did this and it is documented.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (43) Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. (44) All the believers were together and had everything in common.  ~Acts 2:42-44

As of late, we have documented some local young ladies who are also joining together and sharing in God's Word together, and the study and effect of it has opened their eyes to the "secrets" of life God's way.

These women are not missionaries, and nor are they studying religion in a private school.  Instead, they are teammates that comprise our local high school soccer team.  

Winning at soccer doesn't always mean a "W" in the books, and these young ladies have realized (that getting along and unity on the field is an athletic strategy that is often under-estimated.

However, as God tells us: How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!  (Psalm 133:1).

This is a big secret to "winning" at life (on and off the field): Getting along.  Compromise.  Humility.  

And if we combine these things with a sincere care and love for one another...look out!  The by-products are joy, compassion, camaraderie and fulfillment.  

We can't acquire these things as solo-flyers, even if we are the best on the field.  True victory involves others and a sense of Biblical (God-first, and then others-first) community.

These are "secrets" (that are not really secrets) to winning at life.

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!  ~Psalm 133:1

~~~

Another "secret" for all of us, on and off of the field?  Check out Philippians 1:27.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel.  ~Philippians 1:27

Are we conducting ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ today?  

Are we (with others) standing firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel?

These girls are.  Look at their community.  And then...look closer.

                        

They know the "secret" to winning at life: God's Word and enjoying it (and life) with others.

~~~

The foundational "secret" to life with the Lord is knowing that He loves us each so much that He sent His Son to die for our sins.  And not just my sins, as if God is only mine...but for everyone's sins.  This "secret" is one that we cannot keep to ourselves.  We are called by God to share His Word and Truth and promise with the world. and certainly with others on our "teams".

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  ~John 3:16

 ~~~

The young ladies on our varsity team have surprised many with the success that they have enjoyed this season, but I know that the Lord is not surprised, and nor does He measure their success by their record of wins and losses.  These girls are publicly committing to the Lord and their trust in Him, and that is a "W" in God's book.

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.  My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.  ~Psalm 28:7

~~~

Life can be difficult and trying, and downright exhausting...for these girls playing a 90-minute soccer game, but also for you and me trying to navigate through this broken world.  It's hard.

But a secret that the girls on the team know is one that we can be reminded of today: we are not alone, and our strength does not come from within, but from Him.  

 I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.  ~Philippians 4:13

~~~

What's the secret to "winning" at life?  

God's glad we asked, and this is the secret: Christ lives in you (Colossians 1:27).

This message was kept secret for centuries and generations past, but now it has been revealed to God’s people. (27) For God wanted them to know that the riches and glory of Christ are for you Gentiles, too. And this is the secret: Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.

(28) So we tell others about Christ, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all the wisdom God has given us. We want to present them to God, perfect in their relationship to Christ. 

(29) That’s why I work and struggle so hard, depending on Christ’s mighty power that works within me.  ~Colossians 1:26-29

These verses hold the secret to individual success as well as group-wins.  God loves us all, and He wants to be known by all.  He lives in us the moment that we ask Him to, and that one decision changes everything.  We have won when we accept the Son.  And true joy, purpose, and victory come from living in community with others as we seek God together.

Blessings,  

sarah  

Https://sarahsundy04.blogspot.com