The NCAA Tournament began with 68 teams and every round consisted of hard-fought battles between opponents.
Each of the remaining Final Four teams had tight matchups, as well as, a game or two they handled easily. Whether it was an off night or a comfortable win, they did what it took to move forward to the next challenge.
Saturday night will reveal if Texas Tech can handle the big stage as they match up against Michigan State…and number 1 seeded Virginia will compete against Auburn (maybe the hottest team right now) for a chance at the National Championship.
During March Madness, we witnessed the Final Four teams battle one opponent at a time. When unpacking how these teams had to face challenging round after challenging round, there’s a similarity to how we have to daily deal with matchup after matchup.
As the day begins, our first round might be joy vs. sorrow or peace vs. worry. When we get to work, our round of matchups might include anger vs. patience or self-pity vs. contentment.
During lunch, we might experience gluttony vs. moderation or judgment vs. compassion or lust vs. commitment. Later in the day, we might allow a tight battle to take place between laziness vs. hard work…envy vs. respect…or bitterness vs. thankfulness.
At some point throughout the day, we’ll probably also be confronted with a matchup between faith vs. fear or greed vs. generosity or pride vs. humility. Our field of opponents is competitive as the battles rage on from start to finish each day.
So who wins and are we picking the right winners? Thankfully, we don’t have to do this alone. As we follow Jesus, He will guide us and strengthen us to choose the correct winner.
Psalm 34:17 (NLT) says: “The Lord hears His people when they call to Him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles.”
Also, the same power that defeated death and sin on the cross now lives within us, so we can be reminded in Romans 8:37 (AMP) to live victoriously: “Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors and gain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us .”
As we watch the Final Four teams battle it out this weekend, let’s be aware of our own daily matchups. Let’s be prepared to mightily face them by implementing Ephesians 6:13 (AMP):
“Therefore, put on the complete armor of God, so that you will be able to resist and stand your ground in the evil day , and having done everything , to stand firm .”
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, each day is a constant battle between flesh and Spirit. Help me to choose wisely. Please guide me and empower me to be strong, and choose faith over fear…and peace over worry. Thank you for Jesus and His victory on the cross. It’s in His name I pray, Amen.
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