THE BALL IS IN YOUR COURT, TAKE THE SHOT.
Pastor Eli Nelson
In the game of life, we often find ourselves holding the ball, presented with opportunities to make a difference. But how many times do we hesitate, afraid to take the shot? Today, let's explore the profound truth that God has entrusted us with a message of hope and reconciliation, and He's counting on us to share it.
Imagine a basketball game where the clock is ticking down. The team's star player has the ball, but instead of taking the shot, they freeze. In that moment, all the potential for victory slips away. Similarly, in our spiritual lives, we are often given chances to share our faith, to reach out to those who are searching, but fear or hesitation holds us back.
The story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19 beautifully illustrates this point. Here was a man, despised by society, yet desperately wanting to see Jesus. He climbed a tree, going to extraordinary lengths just to catch a glimpse. And what did Jesus do? He saw Zacchaeus, called him by name, and invited Himself to Zacchaeus' house. This simple act of acknowledgment and acceptance led to a complete transformation in Zacchaeus' life.
This story reminds us of a crucial truth: people are looking for Jesus, whether they realize it or not. Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us that God has "set eternity in the human heart." There's a cosmic void in every person that longs to be reunited with the Father. As believers, we have been given the light of Christ in our hearts, and we are called to shine that light into the darkness of the world.
But here's the challenging part – we are not just spectators in God's plan of redemption. We are active participants. 2 Corinthians 5:18 tells us that God has given us the ministry of reconciliation. In other words, He's handed us the ball and is trusting us to take the shot.
So what's holding us back? Often, it's fear. Fear of rejection, fear of not knowing what to say, fear of being ridiculed. But 1 Peter 3:14-15 encourages us: "But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened. But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
Remember, God is with you. If God is for us, who can be against us? It's like a child walking into a playground fight with their father right behind them. What is there to fear when the Creator of the universe has your back?
Moreover, we need to realize that we're not responsible for the results – we're responsible for obedience. Our job is to scatter the seed; God's job is to make it grow. Some seeds may fall on rocky ground, but others may produce a harvest of 30, 60, or even 100 fold.
Consider the story of a father who had been praying for his son to return to faith. For years, it seemed like nothing was happening. But unbeknownst to him, God was working through his granddaughter. One day, she told her father (the son he had been praying for) that she was tired of hating God and wanted to go to church. This led to a beautiful restoration of faith across generations.
This story illustrates a powerful truth: God saves families. He's not just interested in individuals, but in generations. Think of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – God declared Himself to be the God of all three. When we pray for our loved ones, we're partnering with God's desire to see entire households saved.
So, what does this mean for us practically? It means we need to keep our eyes open, our heads on a swivel, and our spirits alert to those around us who are close to us but far from God. It means being willing to go out of our way to "chase the one" – to pursue those who need to encounter Jesus.
It also means persevering in prayer. Like Hannah in the Old Testament who kept praying for a child, we need to pray with boldness and faith, believing that God hears and answers our prayers. We might not always see the results immediately, but God is always working behind the scenes.
Remember, you have a testimony. You have experienced God's goodness, His deliverance, His provision in your life. Don't keep it to yourself! Psalm 107:2 says, "Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story." Your story of God's grace could be the very thing that leads someone else to faith.
In conclusion, the ball is in your court. God has given you the good news, He has shone His light in your heart, and He is trusting you to share it with others. Don't let fear hold you back. Don't worry about the results. Just take the shot.
Who knows? Your obedience could be the catalyst for a chain reaction of salvation that impacts not just individuals, but entire families and generations. As Wayne Gretzky famously said, "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." So go ahead, take the shot. Shine your light. Share your story. Be the vessel through which God brings salvation to a household today.
The clock is ticking, but there's still time on the shot clock. Will you take the shot?
