Have you ever watched the eager and fearless attitude of an individual participating in an extreme/adventure sport? I am talking about those extreme/adventure sports regarded as having a high level of danger or risk. The extreme kind of sports that when we perceive the degree of difficulty involved, our first question is usually “you are going to do what?”. After which, the daring participant may respond, “I perceive the degree of difficulty and risk, yet I believe I can and I am willing to attempt it.”
Although there are many extreme sports, skydiving has been recognized as one of the extremes of the extreme. Amazingly, with nothing but a parachute to slow their fall, skydivers jump from planes thousands of feet above the ground. Conversely, rock climber’s hike to the top of a very high cliff with the only thing holding them up is their hands and feet, and a bit of rope attached to a harness.
In addition to taking a second look, I have always been fascinated by the “can do” and “no fear” attitude displayed by people participating in extreme sports. Also, quickly presuming all of the participants are operating with a high level of eagerness and confidence because they have revelation that God has not given them the spirit of fear. Although this has been a correct assumption in some cases, though not all. Instead, some participants just enjoy the excitement and thrill of participating in extreme/adventure sports. I can only imagine how much more eager and fearless extreme sports participants would be if they had revelation God has not given us the spirit of fear, but power, love, and a sound mind.
I personally want to share my life lesson as it relates to degree of difficulty. In some sports, degree of difficulty refers to the rating given to different styles used in the competitions. Ratings are set by selected judges who are given the assignment of scoring each participant. Time and again, we have seen where the participant who successfully performs a maneuver with a high degree of difficulty receives a higher score (reward) than a participant who performs the same maneuver with less degree of difficulty.
For illustration purposes only, Diver A may perform a double backflip with a triple somersault and splashes no water. Diver B then performs a single backflip with a single somersault and splashes no water. The selected judges agree that Diver A should receive a higher score based on the degree of difficulty. During the National Basketball Association (NBA) Slam Dunk Competitions, we might see Player A perform a 360 ending with a one-handed dunk shot. Player B jumps over two vehicles, takes off from the free-throw line, completing a one-handed dunk shot. Unlike Player B, not many have done it. However, those who are successful continually receive the higher, sometimes perfect score from the selected judges.
As part of my spiritual muscle development process, I have been participating in degree of difficulty life lessons approved by The Judge (God). My degree of difficulty life lessons have been exercised in the area of “waiting” on the manifestation of the promises of God. Because I have chosen to accept nothing less than the perfect will of God for my life, I understand the purpose of the degree of difficulty life lessons in the area of “waiting”. As a willing Servant, my response to The Judge has been, “I understand the “perceived” degree of difficulty in waiting for your perfect will. Yet, I BELIEVE and I am WILLING to wait and TRUST YOU because I know that your promises are “Yes” and “Amen.”
Conversely, I could choose to respond like Servant A: satisfy my fleshly desires, wait impatiently, waver and doubt, hate and envy, complain and remain in my current state/circumstances. Or, I could choose to respond like Servant B: die to my fleshly desires, wait patiently, trust and believe regardless of what I see, love unconditionally, never cease to pray, give thanks and praise so that I can be continually raised to the next level. I believe The Judge (God) loves both Servant A and Servant B. However, I believe The Judge (God) responds more favorably to Servant B because of how he/she chooses to respond to the “perceived” degree of difficulty by waiting, trusting, believing and expecting manifestation!
Humbly and with all due respect, unlike the participant in an extreme/adventure sport, I can’t just “climb up” or “jump out” unless I know that each and every climb or jump is in line with the perfect will of God for my life. I choose to submit and willingly allow The Judge (God) to exercise and strengthen my degree of difficulty spiritual muscles. Through life lessons, I am learning when it comes to the perfect will The Judge (God) has designed for my life, there is only a “perceived” degree of difficulty when waiting on the manifestation of the promises of God. For all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. On the other hand, life lessons have equipped me to understand there is a “real” degree of difficulty every time I choose to “climb up” or “jump out” and choose my will over the perfect will of The Judge (God).
Lastly, speaking of degree of life lessons, we know of no greater sacrifice (degree of difficulty) than when Jesus Christ gave His life that we may have eternal life. What a perfect and ultimate sacrifice. How will you respond?
Scripture Meditation:
2 Timothy 1:7 – For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
2 Corinthian 1:2 – For all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
1 Corinthians 15:31 – I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
Psalm 50:6 – Let the heavens declare His righteousness, for God Himself is Judge. Selah
Psalm 71:14 – But I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more.
