More Than A Match

 “Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.”  Romans 5:18 (NIV)

 

A professional showtime basketball team put on quite a display at our local high school. They had obviously practiced long hours together because they never missed a beat as they executed one unbelievable play after another. They got the crowd into their act by pulling people from the audience to participate in competitions with them. My youngest daughter was selected.

The 6’6” pro basketball player showed her a fancy ball-handling trick – rolling the ball around his neck, down each arm, up and over his head – and tossed her the ball, challenging her to do what he had done in one minute.

Now, my daughter had played basketball for several years and was athletic, and tall. But even though she tried repeatedly, there was no way she could compete and copy the ball-handling that he had just shown her. So she dribbled the basketball once around her back and tossed it to him. She knew that no matter how hard she tried, she was no match for the pro ball player. 

In the same way, no matter how hard we try, we are no match for Satan. Jesus knew that. Look at Romans 5:18.  “Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.” Adam, a man, could not stand against Satan and sinned. 

So Jesus became a man. A man without sin. Why? To fight our fights, to handle every temptation we are faced with, to win our victories for us, His children. He stands in our place against the 6’6” attacks that are launched at us every day and declares victory minute after minute, day after day. For us.

Can I ask you a question? What is going on in your life today that is a pro at beating you up spiritually? Do anger, pride, or a judgmental attitude tower over you and cause you to feel helpless? Is bitterness eating you alive? I have the answer to those attacks!

Call on the One who is victorious no matter what He is facing. Trust Him to handle every attack that Satan throws at you. Never forget: Jesus is more than a match. 

  Father, I glorify and praise you for the gift of your Son to fight for me against Satan’s attacks in my life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

R.A.P. it up . . .  

Reflect

• Have you ever felt like Satan was winning every battle you faced? Did you call on the Lord to fight for you or did you try to do it on your own?

 

Apply 

• Write all three power verses on a note card and keep it in your billfold. Whenever you are attacked by Satan, pull out this card, read the Scriptures, and thank the Lord for taking on your 6’6” challenger and winning the battle.

 

Power 

• Romans 5:18 (NIV) “Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men.”

• 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV) “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

• Deuteronomy 3:22 (NIV) “Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.”