You’ve Got to Make the Foul Shots

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You’ve Got to Make the Foul Shots

Psalm 5:3 “Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly.”
 
I never played basketball when I was young, but some things I have learned from listening and watching. In a game that is high impact and quick paced there are certain shots, that each player just has to make if the team wants to win the game.
When I watch a guard dribble the ball up the court and thread his way through the defenders using fancy footwork and maneuvering, I am always amazed. It looks so complicated to me. With large bodies blocking and flying hands swatting, I can only imagine how difficult it would be to make good decisions about when to drive and when to pass. It is understandable that sometimes the ball doesn’t make it into the basket.
But in the midst of all this confusion, often the ball handler is fouled and has the chance to stand at the line and make free throws. In this situation no one is allowed to block the shot – it is a straight shoot right to the basket. Every player knows that he has to make the foul shots. Yet so many times this chance is lost as the ball bounces off the rim or backboard.
It may be the pressure of the moment or a sudden loss of concentration that causes the miss, but more likely than not the player has not spent enough practice time shooting from this position over and over again until he has it perfect. The more repetition and time spent, the more natural the shot becomes and the more likely he can sink it under pressure.
I couldn’t help but think about all the decisions one has to make in life – many that often need to be made quickly without much time to ponder the consequences such as answering truthfully in a uncomfortable situation. Then there are others that seem more unclear and take much thought like where to go to college or what career path to follow.
These determinations and others like them may seem difficult, but when one practices the obvious things that God asks us to do such as seeking Him daily through His Word and prayer, then the difficult things fall into place.
When faced with a quick moral judgment, one who has regularly spent time studying the Bible will be so in tune with God’s voice that the correct decision will be natural. Likewise, as we spend daily time in prayer bringing our difficult requests to Him, we can wait expectantly for His answers. The light of His word will help us manuever through the confusion and obstacles blocking our path.
Big decisions are never easy, but just like in basketball, if you want to win the game you’ve got to make the foul shots. Listen to His voice every morning, bring your requests to Him daily, and wait expectantly for the answers. Do what you know to do and everything else will fall into place. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and shoot some hoops!

Love,

Mama

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Hi, I'm Sandy! 

I write inspirational letters based on the Bible that share words of hope, encouragement, truth, and healing to my children and anyone else who longs for a mama's touch.

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