Ups and Downs!

For those of you who don't know it, I'm a basketball fan. I was watching the Wizards play the Atlanta Hawks tonight, and the game hit me to the point that I wanted to blog about it.

Now for those of you who read my blog on a normal basis you are probably really wondering where this one will go!

The Wizards walked into tonight's game on top of the world. They had just beat the Raptors last night 129-109. They had found out that three of the Hawks starters were out. I mean talk about the road being paved for victory.

They took an early lead being ahead by 11 points at one point in the first half. I'm sure at a half time they were still on top of the world. BUT, the third quarter brought disaster. The Hawks closed the Wizards lead and by the end of the quarter the Hawks had taken the lead in the game. The Wizards ended up loosing the game 100-97.

When did the whole thing go wrong? It seems like they at first were so sure of themselves that maybe they relaxed their guard. Maybe they let their heads get the best of them. Maybe they just underestimated their opponent.

How many times do we go through life and do the same thing. When our heads get the best of us, our hearts take a back seat. That promotion should have been mine! I should have been recognized for my work at church. How dare they not realize all I have done.

We so many times underestimate the hard work that Satan does. We forget that he is ready to get us down however he can.

When cancer hits a family, it hits hard. Many times the family has to pull together to help to get through. My family was hit especially hard these last few years. Just when you thought things were fine, BAM! Like the Wizards third quarter you are left looking at life wondering what happened.

How many times have you been blindsided by things?

I was talking to my Uncle once and he was saying how hard the Devil was working to get our family down. I figured the Devil must see our family as being strong to give us such trials. Again back to the text from a few night ago. I don't like to repeat texts, but here it goes.

James 1: 2-3 NIV
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.

Such an inspiring text. Having joy though your trials. Job had it! Jesus had it! I can have it too!

So when things hit you the hardest. When you feel like you are almost down and out. When you feel that you reached the end of your rope. Reach to God. Claim your joy and build your faith!

Lord,

Thank you for helping to build my faith so much this last year. I know that this road is long and hard, but I'm trudging through taking one step at a time, with your help. Be with my family and "family" tomorrow. Keep us all safe and reaching for you!

Brie!