Play Each QuarterSample

Play Each Quarter

Day Two – Second Quarter – Step Up

If you are in the second quarter of life, you are in the most daunting period of life, for a man from age 22–44 is generally getting married, having children, building a career, and now days just trying to make ends meet. Everyday for you seems like a season of two-a-day practices that never end. “Oh for the joy and glory of making it to game day,” was a whisper on my lips during the two-a-day practices I had to endure in college football before the season began. 

It was hard, tiring, monotonous, discouraging, and a time of vulnerability. How so? This was when bruises and injuries frequently occurred. This is where bored athletes will indulge in off campus prohibitions and get into trouble. This is a time and place where discouragement can dig into our life. However, it is where a football player is honed into shape mentally and physically for the games ahead, and in real life, it is where husbands and dads and sons of God are shaped for playing their best game for God. So be of good cheer if you are in this quarter, for like all intense training, this period of your life does have meaning. You are being prepared for a game in life that is ahead where you will play a major role, if you don’t blow it during this quarter and have to have to play catch-up from now on. How so?

It is during this quarter of life that we see a condition of discouragement creep in a man, and as a result some guys try to recapture their youth, or an illusion of it. A lot of mistakes are made and consequences are realized. As an example, studies show that most guys who lose their marriage do so because of addictions, adultery, pornography, and all manners of sexual sins.  Homes will be broken up and selfish parents who think only of themselves will hurt their children. 

This could happen to you if you are not alert and dangerous in this battle. Do you want to allow this harm to your loved ones?  Do you want to allow this for yourself?  It doesn’t have to happen to you or them. You can step up and stop the decline that could lead to this failure. If you want to be God’s player, this is when you must step up and declare, “Not on my watch! My family and I will defy this statistic! We will not be taken so easily. I will fight for my family, and I will win this battle for them, for my Savior, and for me!” 

Guys, to win this battle for our family and to carry out our King’s purposes in our life, we must step up and be a shield of faith for them. In this quarter of your life, it is critical for a lot of people in your life that you Step Up and play this quarter the best way possible.