The Game We Play

In dealing with life situations presented at us, often we have to make major decisions based on what we consider to be good, better, or best for us or our family. At times, we never think about the cause and effect of our choices and their long-term repercussions on our lives and others, when the reward seems so appealing to the lust of our flesh, the lust of our eyes and the pride of life. Have you made rash decisions that you later regretted? Do you know and do you consult the Word of God before finalizing any decision you need to make? Or, do you like me at times, only pray after making your choice because you want God to bless the outcome?

Let me share my family experience with you. My children enjoy when we play games such as dominoes, cards, monopoly, checkers, brain quest etc. as a family. When they were younger and first started learning to play a certain game, I remember that I did not have any problem allowing them to win because they were learning. Later on, once I felt that they have mastered the game, I was as tough on them and as competitive as if I were really playing with an adult. They did not have any problem when they were winning, but the complaints would always come when they lost a few games one after another. I would hear, Mom that's not fair! You are cheating! Are you sure you are not cheating? You need to let us win too! To such complaints, I will answer, “This is only a game, winning and losing are part of the game, and a lot of things happening in life are not fair!”

My intent in not allowing them to win all the time was that they should learn to lose gracefully and still have a good time. But sometimes the game activity would end up with such statements, “That's enough! I do not want to play anymore!” Was I too tough on them, I don't think so? But you know what I learned from these game activities is that my children questioning my integrity was hurtful and unacceptable to me. I interpreted it as them telling me that that they did not trust me, or my love for them, because they thought I was doing something wrong to them. Do you also tend to doubt God's intention to want the best for you in this game of life, and not to believe His promises for you?

Sometimes we are forced by life situations to take a stand. Although we do not know what to do, we know that we have done the best we know to do. Now after taking a stand, what do you do when you face bankrupt situations and you do not have any hope? What do you do when you try everything you know and do not see any change? What do you do when you see that the game of life you are involved in is not fair? What do you do when you look all around and see confusion, manipulations, hatred, unfair competitions, murder, lack of integrity, sickness, lies, sabotage, poverty, duplicity, corruptions and broken promises? What do you do when all hidden agendas are revealed, the cards are thrown down on the table and it looks that you have lost the game?

Just remember that it is OK to feel hurt and broken inside. It is OK to wonder why. After all, you are a human being. It will hurt when, after looking around, you see that others seem to enjoy the game, others seem to be a winner, and some people in your clique that you trusted in seem to forget that you exist. Often although you try to be strong, it still hurts and you tend to see yourself as a loser. You wonder when did it all go wrong? What did I do wrong? What could I have done differently? Do not lose hope! Do not allow anything to move you! There is a way out of the despair. There is victory over the darkness.

Are you facing a situation were you can relate to what I am writing about? Do my words resonate with your pain? Are your children rebellious? Is your marriage falling apart? Does your ministry seem to be at a dead end? Is your health failing you? Are your friends abandoning you for bigger, what they consider better, and you feel that you are no longer part of the big picture? Did you get fired from a job and are looking for another one? Are you facing financial difficulties? Are you wondering where is God when you are going through all this trouble? Are you broken, discouraged, depressed and becoming resentful, negative, malicious, angry, sarcastic, frustrated and bitter? Watch out! Do not nurse those negative feelings and open the door of your life to the evil one.

As a person who used to enjoy gambling, I can tell you that it is not pleasant to lose and feel like a loser. I can also tell you that what you are going through is part of living on earth, carrying your cross and following Jesus. This is life! Our times of trials and difficulties give us the greatest opportunity to move forward with God. James 1:1-3 and 1 Peter 1:6-7 state that we should consider all joy when we suffer grief in various trials, because we get to develop perseverance while our faith is being refined through fire in order to produce glory and honor to God. But, oh my, I can tell you where to go to get help in times of troubles when you are a child of God. I can tell you who is able to pick you up, bring you through and heal your pain. I can tell you who can help you repair the broken walls of your life, family or ministry. Do not allow life experiences to depress, make you bitter, resentful and hateful.

Throughout my life issues and in the midst of my journey, I have learned whom to go to and where to go in order to get the strength to uphold myself, focus my mind on His truth about me, believe His promises to me, and keep my emotions in check. I know whom to go to especially when the insecurity, doubts, family issues, criticism, fear of failure and lack of confidence tend to wrap their tentacles around me to oppress, get me discouraged, fearful and get life out of me. I can tell you that His name is Jesus, and His promises outlined in His Word of life are true, proven and perfect. Can you remember all the promises He made to the ones who will obey His commands, seek for Him and serve Him with a pure heart? Can you remember that He say that you will find me when you look for me with all your heart?

Do you remember that Joseph never lost hope of his dreams? Do you know that the apostle Paul fulfilled his calling despite doing most of his ministry incarcerated and in chains? There is a purpose to everything life sends your way especially when you do not understand what is going on? Do you remember when God made the promise to Abraham that he will have a son in his old age, how Sara laughed within herself inside the tent. Why do you think she laughed? She did not believe Him? Are you also laughing because you do not believe that the promises of God will come through for you? Are you also laughing sarcastically because you think there is no hope for your situation? What did He say to Sara? Why are you laughing Sara? Is there anything too hard for me? (Genesis 18:12-14) When He makes a promise, He will fulfill it. He is still the same God, the same Lord, the great I Am, the same Warrior, the same Deliverer and the same Savior yesterday, today and forever.

I can minister to you with these words because the Holy Spirit Father, my Helper, has been with me through so many fire, flood and the storms of life. Throughout them all, I have been refined, purified, brought closer to the Lover of my soul by what I learned. And I had the victory because He had kept my feet upon the rock, His Word, and gave me the peace and the strength to endure them all. I can still remember, like it was today, His loving and rebuking tone of voice to me while I was going through another test and trial some time ago. At that time, I was wallowing in despair, self-pity and brokenness, and told Him to come establish the kingdom or take me to heaven right now. His words to me that exploded in my being were, “Didn't I give you my Spirit, I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

My life experience has given me the privilege to tell you, that as you go through life serving Him and His people, you must always learn to think in agreement with His Word and obey Him in all situations. As you search His Word, He will guide your steps by speaking His mind and heart to your heart and spirit, and provide the guidance and wisdom you need in order for you to make the right decision. Reading, studying His Word will teach you about Him, the way He thinks so you can learn to agree with Him, and rely on His principles for all decision making. Moreover, as you read His Word, you will have more faith that will allow you to stand on His promises and have the victory.

Remember that the just shall live by faith. No matter the storms in your life, know that His words are true and that He is faithful. The righteous face many troubles, but the Lord delivers them out of them all. Let us keep our eyes on Jesus, cast all our cares upon Him, have our mind and focus on the things of the kingdom, trust Him wholeheartedly because He cares for us, loves us and wants the best for all His children. As we do, none of these things coming at us will move us, and we will enjoy this challenging game of life. After all, with God at our side, this game of life is always a win-win situation. His words for you to keep in your heart and mind are that He will never leave nor you nor forsake you, and will be with you always until the end of the age (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5).

Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it! (Luke 11:28)

Marie Monaus