From the moment LeBron James left his team in Cleveland to pursue a championship ring with Miami, he caught a lot of flack. Though the gifted ball player was well within his rights to leave the Cavaliers, some folks believe he made the wrong choice by linking up with the Heat.
Now, I'll be honest, I was sad for the Cavs when they lost their key player, but that's about as far as it went for me.
Since I am not a particularly passionate basketball fan, I cannot say I've lost any sleep over LeBron's decision. Nor have I gotten into any heated debates about it. I surely wasn't screaming and fist-pumping when the final game results were in. It's just not that serious to me.
As a casual observer, however, I have drawn a conclusion from watching the Heat lose the championship to the Mavericks in Game 6.
From the world's perspective, angling and making power moves in order to manipulate circumstances, is the norm. Some people even laud that type philosophy and label those who employ it "forward-thinking" and "sharp."
But in the Kingdom of God, we are encouraged to put our trust and confidence in the Lord, not our own works. We are taught not to toil and frantically spin our wheels, but to seek God first, and trust Him to provide everything we need (See Matthew 6:25-33).
As believers, we ought not be focused on hooking up with the right people, playing on the best team, or developing the ultimate methods for success. Our hearts and minds should be consumed with seeking the Father's will for our lives, and depending upon Him to guide us along our predestined path.
When you look at the scenario I'm using here with the Miami Heat, I don't think anyone can deny that LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh make up a talented trio. If a winning team ever existed, to be sure, the Heat have all the right components.
And yet, they walked away from the championship series heartbroken and empty-handed. This serves as a prime example of how unreliable and unpredictable the outcomes of our best laid plans can be.
I'm reminded of what Ecclesiastes 9:11 (NIV) says: "The fastest runner doesn't always win the race, and the strongest warrior doesn't always win the battle. The wise sometimes go hungry, and the skillful are not necessarily wealthy. And those who are educated don't always lead successful lives..."
Even when we try to do all we know how with our brilliant, motivated, diligent selves, things can still fall apart.
But when we place our lives and all our plans in God's hands, and allow our will to be conformed to His, we never lose. That's why I want to put the scripture found in Proverbs 19:21 in your cup of inspiration today. It says, "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."
And while you're at it, drink this down too: If you want to be in position to win every time, then position yourself in the center of God's will. When you do that, you'll ensure that you're in the right place, at the right time, to get the right results, every time!
Lord, there have been times in my life when I was so blinded by my own selfish desires that I lost sight of what was most important. Please forgive me. Today, I recommit myself to the pursuit of Your will for my life. I will cease from toiling and trying to make things happen my way, and give over to Your way. For Your way, Oh God, is always best for me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading. And until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and inspire you.
