Until our firstborn, Brewer, developed a passion for basketball, I never understood the two-word phrase, “MARCH MADNESS!” Needless to say, I fully understand the meaning today. Our youth pastor Frank, a former basketball player, was at our house with his family recently. He and Bill were glued to the television watching what I think was the announcement of the “infamous brackets!” LOL…..it was so funny to watch their interest and enthusiasm. It made me really miss our oldest, who is on his own….he would have been in the middle and “all up in” that conversation and fun!!
I think I became a John Wooden fan years ago when Brewer was playing golf but also loved basketball. I read Wooden’s books so that I could be a positive influence and have positive words for Brewer as he chased his dream in golf. Since basketball was his hobby for spectating and for leisure play, I figured he would love and pay attention to basketball legends. I quickly became a huge fan of John Wooden–his stories, his words, his faith, his success and what his former players said about him. It really spoke volumes to me about the kind of man, coach, and leader he was. His successes point to that!
One of my favorite Coach Wooden observations is about position. He points to the lack of success players have when they are “out of position!” He elaborates in his book that they could be talented players, practice for thousands of hours, perform countless drills but, if they are “out of position,” the play couldn’t be made when it counted the most. Think about all the many places where this concept applies, not just in the game of basketball. We all need to make sure we are in “position” to make the plays in life that God has for us!!
On the Back 9 I can say for sure, the position which gives us the best shot at making the plays in life is the position of a life fully surrendered to Christ. For me, that means seeking Him daily, sometimes hourly. Deferring to HIM instead of my selfish thoughts or my emotions. It is so easy to act on emotions but they can be very deceiving! I have found “prayer” and sitting “still” before God……allows your heart, ears, mind to be free to go to the “position” where a HUGE amount of peace, satisfaction, and, yes, significant “rewards” can be found. Rewards far greater than a “win in sports” or “money in the bank” (two very worldly rewards).
I can go to church, attend Bible studies, pray with friends, but NOTHING puts me in position to make the “plays in life” that God has planned better than being still and vigilant before a HOLY God. That alone time, no distractions….quiet, no cell phone, social media, children, husband, friends, etc……Just me/you and God……His presence…….and only His presence…….can bring about………. DIRECTIONS FOR PERFECT POSITIONS……that only HE KNOWs… and desperately wants to show you.
Follow in obedience these scriptures:
Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God…”
Proverbs 16:9, “In their hearts humans plan their course but the LORD establishes their steps”…a.k.a. positions!
Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Psalms 37:23, “The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him.”
Proverbs 20:24, “A person’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand their own way?”
God is the one who can put me/you in perfect POSITION…….. Don’t spend your life working, striving, hoping, dreaming…….without letting the OMNIPOTENT God place you in the PERFECT POSITION AT THE PERFECT TIME…….DON’T MISS OUT ON MAKING THAT WINNING SCORE…….BY NOT KNOWING THE PERFECT POSITION DESIGNED BY OUR PERFECT GOD WHO will willingly show you………!