I love watching sports highlights on TV. It doesn't really matter which sport, I just enjoy hearing the commentators descriptions of the best (and worst) moments about each athlete as they run, swim, catch or throw a ball to bring their team to glory. I imagine that the athlete would grin or shake their head as they watched themselves on screen.

But I’m more intrigued about something else. As much as I enjoy the highlights for the entertainment quality, the athletes cannot be obsessed about their own successes or failures to the same degree. There must be something more foundational that they focus on in order to continue their careers as professional athletes. They must find a way to see their individual moments from a bigger picture.

What is the bigger picture that you and I are focusing on? Or are we getting bogged down by the individual successes or failures of each day. Perhaps we are not seeing our lives with accurate vision. Let's read from another commentator who has a fresh perspective:

Introducing Paul: once a murderer of Christians, to having his life transformed by Jesus and now devoting himself to sharing Jesus' love with others. Having been arrested for his new way of life, he writes letters of encouragement to the nearby churches and followers of Jesus reminding them to think big picture and not get bogged down.

"My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent Father who parcels out all heaven and earth. I ask him to strengthen you by his Spirit—not a brute strength but a glorious inner strength—that Christ will live in you as you open the door and invite him in. And I ask him that with both feet planted firmly on love, you’ll be able to take in with all followers of Jesus the extravagant dimensions of Christ’s love. Reach out and experience the breadth! Test its length! Plumb the depths! Rise to the heights! Live full lives, full in the fullness of God.

God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us." Ephesians 3:14-21 (The Message)

So as we reflect on the highlights and lowlights of our lives, whether we are just thinking about yesterday or looking back on decades, let's remember that God is at work within us. He delights in us. He loves us and he see's the potential to do powerful things through our lives if we are willing to let him have control. Let's submit our will to His will this week. Let's remember that we can't see the big picture as clearly as He can and let's dream big with Him as to what He may envision for our lives together.

Sports Highlights