Anthony Edwards may have scored 44 points in Minnesota’s 113-111 win over the Indiana Pacers on Thursday evening, but his standout defensive play is what had the NBA world buzzing. With the Pacers trailing by two with just seconds remaining, Benedict Mathurin drove the ball to the basket looking to tie the game. As Mathurin elevated for the layup, however, Edwards seemingly shot out of a cannon to make an impressive block that would seal victory for the Timberwolves. Edward’s block was spectacular, but it did come with a cost. Because of how fast he was running and how high he had to jump to make the block, Edwards hit his head fairly hard on the rim, twisted sideways, and ultimately landed awkwardly on his wrist. It was a risky play from Edwards, yet he decided to go for the block anyway because of his desire to win. Most of us are usually willing to endure a certain amount of suffering if we believe the end result is worth the temporary discomfort. When we go to the gym or get a tattoo knowing there will be pain involved in the process, we do so anyway if we truly believe it will be worth it. As followers of Jesus, we regularly have to make choices as to whether or not we'll willingly subject ourselves to suffering for a particular purpose. Do we compromise our standards to fit in with the culture...or boldly stand for truth knowing that it might bring persecution? Do we share the gospel with our unbelieving friends and co-workers with the risk of painful rejection...or choose to avoid any potential discomfort by being silent? In other words, are we willing to step up and make the "game-saving block," even when it's hard and uncomfortable? Our response to these types of situations ultimately determines whether or not we believe the end result is worth the suffering. When we recognize the importance of honoring and obeying Jesus, we won't compromise on Biblical truth because pleasing God is of greater value than living in false peace with man. When we place value on the eternal well-being of those close to us, we should willingly share the gospel because we want them to know Jesus more than we want to be comfortable. The Apostle Paul expresses this sentiment in 2 Timothy 2:9b-10 (ESV): “...I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the Word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” Today, let’s remember that there are certain types of suffering that we should be willing to endure for the sake of Christ and others. Let’s be encouraged that any suffering we might endure during our brief lives will be well worth it in the end. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18; ESV). I’m Matt Osborne, and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you that any suffering I endure for following You pales in comparison to the glory of eternity with You. Please help me be bold and courageous, and willing to endure suffering for Your sake and the sake of mankind. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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