Trusting His Strategy

The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives (Psalm 37:23, NLT).

I’ve been an athlete my whole life. From the time I was big enough to hold a ball in my hand, I was active in some sort of sport or game. I guess growing up as the only girl in a family of boys will do that to you. But, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve loved being active, playing games and competing for as long as I can remember. When it comes to being good at sport, a lot of success boils down to the strength of whatever particular set of skills you possess; however, there is often not enough credit given when it comes to the ability to strategize. Many of the greatest athletes and coaches in the history of sport are not necessarily defined by the depth of talent, but rather by the way they were able to maximize their potential or that of their group of athletes through the employment of very specific strategy. You can have an elite set of skills, but without a clear understanding of that skillset, combined with the ability to intelligently navigate your opponents, you may find yourself exposed and, ultimately, defeated.

I love applying these principles in various ways to help me understand the truth behind the idea of strategy. Let’s think about the game of chess. I remember learning how to play back in middle school. Initially, I was a bit overwhelmed by the complexity of the game. It took quite some time to learn about each of the pieces I possessed on my board, as well as how each of them was able to move in the game. Once I developed an excellent understanding of my own side of the board, I started to think about how those pieces were able to move in order to assist in capturing opponent pieces as well as protecting my own. By thinking about both of those things, I was able to begin using specific strategy and was then able to elevate my success in the game to another level.

After spending quite some time learning the game, our teacher set up a chess tournament to be played by the entire class. After the brackets were designed, we began play and I found myself in the championship match against my twin brother, David. I loved ending up in the final match playing against him, but, admittedly, I had a notion he would be victorious. The thing about David is that he has almost always been more patient and laid back than me. He has always been willing to pause and be intentional about the decisions he makes, typically never allowing them to be lead by emotion, excitement or restlessness. And, if you’ve ever played a game of chess, you know how important that can be in regard to the strategy you employ during a match. Well, sure enough, my tendency to move too quickly exposed my Queen and I fell in defeat to my opponent. (If I had to lose to anyone, I’m glad it was David.)

Through his victories, David was crowned chess king of our 8th grade class. He was victorious, not because he had more or better pieces than his opponents, but because he employed a much more effective strategy. He possessed an ability to see a bigger picture and move his pieces around the board in order to effectively protect his pieces from defeat while setting himself up for victory. That is a strategist at work.

When I think about my walk as a follower of Jesus, I can apply this very same principle of strategy. Over the last several years, as I have grown in spiritual maturity, I have been much more intentional about spending time reading God’s Word. Without a doubt, I have come to understand that connecting with His Word is critical in being able to clearly hear His voice. And, without knowing the voice of the Shepherd, it is impossible to know what move to make next in this game of life. Just like in that championship chess match, when I make moves from a place of emotion, excitement or comparison, I often miss out on an opportunity to hear from the Lord and allow Him to direct my steps.

As a 33-year-old woman of God who desires to have a husband and family, I often feel stuck or behind, like my life isn’t progressing at the rate it should. The pressure is there, both internally and externally, to make moves and push my life along to the place where the world says it should be at this point in my life. But let me tell you, when I neglect to remember that Jesus is the ultimate strategist, I begin to allow myself to move the pieces on the board, and, in my humanness and tendency toward sin, I often make moves too quickly and expose myself to my opponent, the devil, and end up feeling defeated. Instead, as it says in Psalm 37, I am learning to be still and wait for the Lord to direct my steps and move me according to His plan.

I’m not sure what that looks like in your life. Maybe it’s quitting a job the Lord led you to because it just feels too hard, jumping into a relationship you know isn’t right for you just because you’re lonely or purchasing a home that is outside your budget because you want to keep up appearances with your group of friends. Each of our stories is different, but, regardless of our circumstances, when we choose to move independently of the Lord’s direction, we are setting ourselves up to be exposed to the enemy.

Unlike a game of chess, I am thankful that, because of Jesus’ death on the cross two thousand years ago, the victory has already been won. And, no matter where we step off the narrow path, Jesus is always there to guide us back. But, wouldn’t we all save ourselves a lot of heartache if we were more intentional about how we move through life? Though it won’t be easy and we often won’t understand how God is moving, I promise you it will be worth it to pause, pray and possess the victorious life God has for you.