Scripture

Our verse for today comes from 2 Corinthians 13:4, “For though He was crucified in weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.”

Background

I imagine almost everyone in these parts has heard of Jim Valvano. But what you may think of when you remember him could be several different things. You might remember him as a quick-witted comedian who could rattle off one-liners while answering questions about an upcoming game or a recent loss. You may remember him running around the basketball court in search of someone to hug after State won the national championship in 1983. Maybe you remember the apparent lack of control he had over some of his players as word spread of kids skipping class, getting into trouble off the court, and misusing some of the perks of being on the basketball team. But the one impression he cared most about leaving behind as he was dying from cancer was his deep conviction of the need to never give up in life. And he preached it whenever he could because he truly believed that keeping the faith and fighting the fight would eventually result in victory. No matter the odds, Valvano believed that ultimately, the foe would be conquered and the battle won, even if the enemy was cancer. And those are good words, powerful words. We need to endure and persist when things look their bleakest.

Application

But our Heavenly Father has a slightly different message. He says if you’re trying to conquer sin in your life, or if you’re hoping to work hard enough to gain a seat beside Him, then you need to give up. If you think there is strength or resolve enough within you to overcome the enemy, then you are fighting a lost cause. God says to give up, because trying is just failing. When we encourage someone not to give up, we believe they can accomplish what they are attempting. But God knows we are just practicing new ways of failing when we keep giving it our best. Our hope is not of ourselves, and we are not helping God one iota by anything that we do. We must completely believe that He is responsible for it all. And when we do, His power is released through us, and victory is ours where we had known only struggle and defeat.

Charge

As we seek Him today, give up trying to do better, or more, or less. Let go of the need to help Him, and ask God to be God in the life He has given you to live.

Salvation – Eternal Life in Less Than 150 Words