“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
1 Peter 5:8/NIV
The term “full-court press” is typically a phrase for a style of defense used in basketball. This style is applied against the opposing team’s offensive endeavors for the entire court length. This type of defense begins from the time the opposing team is trying to pass the ball into play with man-to-man pressure the length of the court. With this tactic, you routinely see a defender in their opponent’s face with body contact to impede the opposition’s progress! Why would this style be used?
Typically you will see the full-court press used when the seconds are winding down on the clock at the end of the game, and the score is very close. The losing team is making a last-ditch frantic effort to win the game as time is running out! Reading the Bible, it is apparent that Satan has and continues to use a full-court press on many of God’s faithful people as time is running out for him. Reading in the Old Testament, Job and King David are two names that quickly come to mind. In the New Testament, each apostle faced satanic opposition the more productive they were in their Christian ministries.
I also quickly think of Jesus Christ! During His ministry, it was apparent that Satan was using the full-court press on many people who opposed Jesus. As Satan observed Jesus Christ succeeding with His redemption, restoration, and salvation of humanity, he panicked! Government officials, opposing faith groups and humanity in general, were utilized by Satan to oppose Jesus! As Jesus Christ is a part of the “Triune God” (Father, Son, Holy Spirit), He has the full power of God in Him! Clearly, Satan is no match for this degree of omnipotence!
How about us? I wonder if Satan uses a “full-court press” on faithful Christians doing the Lord’s work. Oh my goodness – there are seasons I go through where I feel a “full-court press” resistance while seeking to do the Lord’s work! When I consider the Lord’s work in my life, I sometimes see the greatest adversity, opposition, and challenges. I may become mentally, emotionally, and physically drained during those seasons! On those occasions, I roll up my shirt sleeves, pray very hard, and seek the Lord’s guidance, wisdom, and the peace that passes all understanding. I know that God will never leave nor forsake me, and I can do His work through the power of Jesus Christ! Thank you, Heavenly Father!
“I can do all this through Him (Jesus Christ) who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4:13/NIV
Many blessings to you!
Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture is taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
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