Stand StrongSample

Simplify In a radio interview, a basketball superstar was asked about his knack for making the game-winning shot in crucial situations. The reporter asked how he was able to be so calm in such pressure-packed moments. His answer was that he tried to simplify the situation. “You only have to make one shot,” the player replied. One shot. That is the essence of simplifying a difficult situation. Focus only on what is in front of you. Simplify. Recognizing that the challenges of life can be both overwhelming and suffocating, Jesus urged us to uncomplicate things. He said, “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself” (Matthew 6:34). Worry doesn’t accomplish anything positive; it just adds to the sense that we are drowning in our troubles. We must take things as they come—one day at a time—and trust Him for the wisdom to respond properly. If you feel overwhelmed by life, do what you can today and then entrust the rest to Him. Simplify. As Jesus said, “Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Bill Crowder