Time Out!

When a child receives a "time out", it is because they have gotten in trouble and need to have some time away from play to think about what they did wrong and consider CHANGING THEIR BEHAVIOR. In sports a "time out" is used to refocus and regroup and then get back into the game. Sometimes a "time out" is called when things are not going well and the coach needs to have a few words with the players to get their heads back into the game. Spending a few moments in the huddle for some encouragement and direction toward being on the same page with the coach's game plan, such a "time out" can be a real GAME CHANGER.

Perhaps as we engage in the various activities of life we would like to put up our hands and call for a "time out." In life it is not possible to stop the clock, but there is a sense in which we can utilize a needed "time out"; a moment to refocus and regroup before getting back into the game of life. Such can also be A LIFE CHANGER. This "time out" is called PRAYER.

When King Jehoshaphat did not know what to do, HE PRAYED ( 2 Chronicles 20:12) and God brought victory. When an ordinance was established that no petition was to be made to any god or man for 30 days, but only to King Darius ( Daniel 6:6-9), what did Daniel do? He faced toward Jerusalem and PRAYED anyway. ( Daniel 6:10) When Nehemiah was faced with opposition, rather than being discouraged and ceasing to press on with the work of rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem, HE PRAYED ( Nehemiah 6:9) and remained a great encourager of others. Even Jesus modeled the example of taking "time out" FOR PRAYER. (i.e. Luke 5:16)

When we are faced with challenging times, what are we to do? Let us also take "time out" FOR PRAYER, knowing that with God's help we can step back into the game of life.

In his letter to the church at Philippi, Paul exhorted. . .
"(4) Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. (5) Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; (6) do not be anxious about anything, BUT IN EVERYTHING BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION WITH THANKSGIVING LET YOUR REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN TO GOD. (7) And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ( Philippians 4:4-7 ESV)

"Time out" FOR PRAYER -- whether it be just for a moment or longer -- can be a real LIFE CHANGER as we are reminded of the mindfulness of God and that we are not alone in the struggle. When we become anxious or frustrated in life, looking to Him for needed strength and wisdom helps us get our head back in the game, rather than becoming discouraged and giving up. Victory is on God's side, so let us press on under the encouragement of His coaching as we remain open to the wisdom of His game plan.

Have a great day WITH SOME HUDDLE TIME WITH GOD!
Carl

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