I’m a bit concerned …

How come we think it takes: bribes to recruit people to our teams? sweet talk to sway a leader? shortcuts to get ahead? style, not substance, to turn a head?

Why do we think it takes: strength to overcome strength? power to impose our will on others? riots to get results? shouting to be heard?

Maybe the answer to all these questions boils down to this: We don’t believe God at His Word nor do we put our weight in precepts like the ones revealed in Proverbs 25:15.

Athlete, let’s accent patience and gentleness a little more in our lives and see what happens. Let’s see if God meets us there. When we trust God by demonstrating uncommon doses of patience and soft speech, maybe we will see more of the bone-breaking power these two practices actually produce. Maybe we will see God more at work in our lives and see Him getting the glory He longs for and truly deserves.

Prayer to consider today: LORD, when the pressure rises, help us to say things with greater gentleness and to exercise a little more patience. May all this reflect our trust in You more than our fear of circumstance or our need for more power or control. Help us to believe that to have You is to have enough. Teach us to break bones through patience and gentleness.