Rest in the WrestleNäide

DAY 1: THE PRICE

We are guaranteed trials and hardship. Suffering is certain. The harder we fear it or fight it, kicking and screaming, the harder it is to shake loose of it. In business, fixed costs are expected, consistent expenses that occur each month and are no surprise. Spiritual life isn’t much different. We have an enemy, we make sacrifices, and we experience disappointment on a regular basis. It’s the cost of doing Kingdom Business. Jesus spoke of the tribulation we all would experience, but also assured us that He overcame the world. In Him, we too can be encouraged that we will overcome the pain and discouragement we either have, are, or will endure. It’s been my experience that perspective and expectation dictate mindset. They significantly influence my ability to either rest in or wrestle with my circumstances. I seem to process negative emotions better when I’m not surprised by a discouraging report or a disappointing encounter. Our emotional condition can either withstand or wilt as a result of the lens through which we choose to see life.

I remember a college football game in the 2024 season between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Vanderbilt Commodores. If you know anything about college football, this contest has been lopsided for decades, and Vanderbilt is never expected to compete at Alabama’s level; consequently, Alabama usually beats them handily every year. This year appeared to be no different. Alabama cruised into Nashville for this game ranked as the number one team in the nation. From the lens of Commodore Nation, the best they could realistically hope for is to make the competition respectable. The players had other ideas. Leadership casts vision. Leaders create belief, which births buy-in and commitment, which solidifies the plan and tactics for execution. Thankfully, their leader and head coach cast an inspiring vision and ignited a hope within their hearts. That said, undoubtedly, the players had realistic expectations of tumultuous trials, adversity, and setbacks. When Alabama took the lead, Vanderbilt wasn’t surprised. They never felt defeated or that the task was insurmountable. Their perspective never changed, despite the deficit they were facing. They not only embraced the fear with radical courage, but they rested in the wrestle.

When we are aware of an enemy and the fallen nature of humanity in our daily lives, resilience feels attainable, and hardship is less offensive. When we aren’t surprised or blindsided by pain and disappointment, their effects are less devastating and debilitating. Defeat is a mindset born out of hopelessness and heartache. I believe those are a derivative of shattered expectations and adversely altered expectations. The Vanderbilt football team was well aware of its enemy and its desire to destroy them. They were aware of their talent deficit as compared to their opponent. Nothing surprised them, not even their resilience and refusal to quit. They won the game and upset the number one team in the nation. They hadn’t defeated the Crimson Tide in 40 years. They shocked the world and accomplished what no other Commodore football team had ever accomplished: defeating a top-ranked Alabama. Their leader built their belief on expectations and perspective. The players remained disciplined and faithful to the game plan. Pain and setbacks are a fixed cost of doing business in this quest to live an abundant life.

REST AREA

• Write 3 challenges or upcoming endeavors you are awaiting. List possible resistance or adversity from each and simulate your response and actions taken. Assign a Bible verse that applies to each possible scenario.