I don’t think I will ever forget the message given by the director of the sports ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ (AIA) in the summer of 1979. We were at what was called the Institute for Biblical Studies at the Colorado State University, Fort Collins. During that time, my goal was to go to the institute and the subsequent CCC staff training. I had come on staff as an athlete with Athletes In Action’s soccer team.
The director for the ministry shared with us the story of Israel and their entrance to the promised land from the wilderness, through Jericho, into the battle at Ai. His main point was that in the ebb and flow of the Christian’s experience, the greatest triumphs follow the greatest defeats, and the greatest defeats tend to follow the greatest triumphs.
He used the picture given in the Old Testament of Israel leaving the “defeat” of the wilderness to present themselves faithful before God in doing the command He had given for them as they assaulted Jericho by faith. Following their Lord, they had a victory that by all standards should not have occurred. Miraculously the walls fell and the nation of Israel won the city, clearly, by the power of God.
From that “victory,” Israel decided to do it their way against the much smaller and less defended city of Ai. As the story goes, they relied on their on power and wisdom and were soundly defeated by the defenders of Ai.
The messenger at that conference relayed to us that without a consistent reliance on the saving power and guidance of the Lord, we will continue a cycle of victory and defeat. And this cycle, if not short circuited, will lead us eventually to question the very power of God and God Himself. We must, according to him, present ourselves everyday in submission to His power, His wisdom, His grace, and His love if we are to see consistent victories in our lives.
I was reminded of that today as I confront my own victories and defeats. Oh Lord, forgive me my shallow life, relying on my own wisdom and not Yours. Help me to run to You and You alone for the things that I need and help me to see again Your way over mine.
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