Spiritual Potential

Ready:

“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead.” -- Philippians 3:13 NLT

Set:

Sport enthusiasts often share the great stories of last-minute victories and game-changing plays. But how often does bowling enter that conversation? Bowling doesn’t get much attention, but it taught me a valuable lesson. 

In today’s time, technology adds my bowling score on the screen and calculates my potential high score. As a competitor, I’m now comparing my potential score to the others in my lane. The bowling alley’s computer calculated the most points I could score in every turn. But despite technology’s calculations and my family’s encouragement, I would often fall short of my potential. 

Spiritually speaking, my daily goal is to love God and honor Him with my life. God tells me that by the authority of His Spirit, I have incredible power to be victorious! There are times I am victorious, and there are many times where, like bowling, my choices and thoughts go in the gutter. I leave pins standing, and I fail. The Bible calls this sin.

However, as I stand there looking at my misses, my bowling ball returns, I get another attempt! In the same way, God forgives me and lets me have another chance at life with Him in His Kingdom.

With every toss of the ball and with every choice in life, I must intently refocus, forget the past (gutter balls), and look forward to what lies ahead. Even though I will fail at times, God is faithful to forgive. By the authority of His Spirit, we have the potential and incredible power to be victorious!

Go:

1. What have you done in your life that needs to be confessed?
2. Where is your focus today?

Workout:

Hebrews 12:1-2; Ephesians 2:1-10

Overtime:

“Heavenly Father, I confess that I sin. Please forgive me. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, help me to get back up and live in a way that honors You! With Your Spirit in me, I can be victorious today! Amen.”

Rex Stump