The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers will meet again in the NBA Finals for the fourth straight season. Each team finished up a hard-fought 7-Game Series in their Conference Finals and narrowly escaped to set up another rematch.
Remarkably, these teams have pressed on throughout this four-year run despite countless injuries, roster changes, the rise of fame, and an entire league out to get them.
Continually being the teams to beat while others try taking them down, they've epitomized the old cliche, “they have a target on their back.”
Following the game, Warriors general manager Bob Myers said, "Being hunted is different than hunting, and we've been in that role for a long time."
"The scrutiny that is on these guys, they can't help but feel that. We were supposed to win every game we played this year. Every single game. That's, I guess, the position you want to be in. But there's a weight to that."
The Warriors (and Cavs) absolutely want to be this consistently great and desire to stand out from the rest of the league. Although they face significant struggles while other teams try to knock them off, the pursuit of greatness is well worth all of the challenges.
In our own lives, when we make the decision to follow Jesus and pursue righteousness and greatness in the sight of God, it’s not always easy.
Noticeable changes take place that not only makes us stand out in the world but forces us into the role of "being hunted." This leads to others wanting to take us down and cause us to fall.
We shouldn’t be surprised when a “target is on our back” because persecution, suffering, challenges, and trials are all part of our journey as followers of Jesus.
1 Peter 4:12-14 (NLT) explains, “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in His suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing His glory when it is revealed to all the world.If you are insulted because you bear the name of Christ, you will be blessed, for the glorious Spirit of God rests upon you.”
1 Peter 3:17 (ESV) says, “For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.”
The Warriors and Cavs would love an easy road to a Championship trophy, but they know the challenges along the way are well worth it. Sometimes we wish our lives were smooth sailing, but a victorious life with Jesus is always worth the trials we face throughout our faith journey.
Luke 6:22 (NLT) gives us this hope: “What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man.”
Today, let’s be encouraged that a genuine life in Christ comes at a cost, but our temporary challenges reveal we’re on the right path. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I desire to pursue You with all of my heart and live a great life that is pleasing to You. Please help me to see the bigger picture when I face persecution and struggles as I follow Jesus. Please give me the strength to persevere. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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