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Writer's pictureBryce Johnson

Practice and Temptation By Luke Heaton

We’ve all heard Allen Iverson’s classic rant following the 2001-2002 season when he was frustrated with reporters for inquiring about practice instead of his performance in games. But, Iverson never made the outlandish claim that he doesn’t practice. He simply didn't want that to be the focus of his press conference. Recently, in a press conference leading up to the 148th Open Championship which begins tomorrow, Brooks Koepka had his own unique statement on practice, making the claim that he only practices prior to major championships. “I just practice before the majors. Regular tournaments I don't practice. If you've seen me on TV , that's when I play golf,” Koepka commented. He elaborated on that statement by saying he went ten days without touching a club prior to the 3M Open in June. For Koepka, this method seems to be working (he won three of his last six major starts), but it isn't a mentality to apply to our relationship with Jesus if we want to win every day. 1 Peter 5:8 is quite frank regarding constant schemes of Satan: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour”(NIV). This is a warning not to take lightly. Followers of Jesus are not to downplay the power of Satan, but to acknowledge his power and the need for a greater power to overcome the constant barrage of his temptations. Knowing there's a continuous battle to fight, should lead us to a daily relational walk with Jesus. We can't just take weeks off and expect to remain ready for the competition. Instead, we must daily draw on Christ's power to become more like Him and compete with His strength. There is an old adage that says, “You are not made during crisis, you are revealed during crisis.” I find some truth in this. What should we expect when crisis or hardship hits, and we haven’t taken our daily walk with Jesus seriously? Will we throw our faith away? Will we doubt God’s goodness? Will we feel hopeless? The reality of our faith, hope, and trust in Jesus are made obvious through such events. Brooks Koepka may not need as much practice as other PGA tour professionals in order to be successful, but all followers of Jesus need to spend time with Him daily in order to become spiritually mature and properly prepared. I’m Luke Heaton and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: God, thank you for saving me by Your grace. Please give me the desire and the means to spend time with You daily. Help me realize the importance of drawing on Your power and being sanctified by Your Spirit. Grow in me an increased love for You and help me to fight off the temptations thrown at me by Satan. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. Discussion Questions for PACKS:

  1. Do you value spending time with God? What does that look like for you?

  2. What is an area of life that you experience the most temptation and need the power of Jesus?

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