Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Inner Strength (04/20/06)
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TITLE: Tug of War | Previous Challenge Entry
By Kelli Young
04/25/06 -
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A lush, green lawn framed with beautiful flowers adorned the area where two-year-old Kyla play. Around and around she ran with her young pup, Brandee, following close on her heels. Kyla grabbed a rubber rope, hoping to tempt the pup to take a hold of it.
“Bandee play tuga war,” Kyla said, insisting the pup cooperate. Brandee complied and clamped the rope firmly between her tiny teeth. Shaking her head back and forth while forcefully scooting backwards, the pup fought for the victory. Kyla tried to hold on, but the strength and determination of the pup was too much for her.
Kyla hadn’t even considered she would lose and when it was evident the pup would come out ahead, she wanted the game to end.
“Bandee, let go, let go Brandee!” Kyla said as she began to cry. Brandee refused to concede her victory and forced me to the pry the rope from her mouth.
Kyla’s two-year-old frame wasn’t strong enough to engage in a tug of war and win. It didn’t matter how determined she was, the puppy’s strength was greater than her own.
I think I know how Kyla felt that day. There have been plenty of times where I was on one end of a struggle and a force greater than my inner strength and determination, pulled me into defeat. I may not have conceded as quickly, but eventually admitted I needed help.
Why don’t we easily outgrow the need to be strong enough to conquer on our own? Even as Christians, pride keeps us from admitting we are weak and need help. Our culture instructs us to be strong and depend on ourselves to ensure our personal greatness and security. Most of us have embraced this concept from the time we were little and bad habits die-hard.
In the Kingdom of God, the opposite is true. We no longer depend on our inner strength, but the strength of the Holy Spirit. Not only do we trust God is holding our side of the rope, but He asks us to let go and He will win the victory for us. Pride can’t get a foothold when we know that the victory was won without our help. All glory and honor rightfully belong to Him!
'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.
Zech 4:6 (NIV)
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