Spider Cam View - Credits to oregon.247sports.com
By Theron Glenny
The spider cams they use during football games are really amazing. They give us fans a perspective of the game we didn't have before, namely, what it looks like on the field from a player's perspective. You get to see the field the way the quarterback sees it.
The next time you watch a game, keep an eye on the wide receivers. Many times, the quarterback throws the ball before the wide receiver has turned to catch it. You will notice great wide-receivers (like Antonio Brown pictured below) make their turn with their hands up ready to receive the pass. They know the ball could be on the way so they prepare to receive it by getting their hands ready. All of us in our living rooms say "Wow, did you see how perfect the timing was on that play? It was perfectly executed." Here's the thing, the timing was perfect primarily because the receiver was ready. He has his hands up because he is expecting to catch the ball. He can't make a difference on the field and help his team score if he's not ready.
Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
I think this lesson applies to life - God is ready to throw wisdom our way, but we must turn towards him with our heart open to receive it. The question is, are we ready to receive it? Just like a great wide receiver whose hands are ready to catch the ball, a 'wise' receiver prepares their heart to catch the Wisdom that is thrown their way.
1. Kick apathy to the curb and care about what God thinks.
What sets a good wide receiver a part from others? He really wants the ball and will do whatever he can to get it…cross the middle of the field in traffic and risk getting lit up, dive, fight for the ball, run routes hard, etc …but he wants to score. He can’t score unless he receives the ball first. He wants it. He cares.
Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, But fools despise wisdom and instruction." Fools don't care. Fools aren't searching for Wisdom. Fools aren't seeking God to hear what He thinks about their situation.
I've watched and played along side football players that don't care. Do you think they run out for a pass with some gusto? Do you think they really want the ball? Heck no. They could care less. Do you think they have their hands up to catch the ball? Maybe, but their hands are probably limp.
Unfortunately, if you don't care, then you won't be aggressive in pursing God. You'll give up. I don't think that is the case though if you are reading this article.
Be one that cares what God thinks. Your family and friends need you to care. They need your leadership. Listen, you may feel alone in this. When I rededicated my life to Jesus after high school, none of my family was going to church regularly. I started going to church and seeking God again and guess what? My parents and brothers started to come. And now, my entire family is thriving in their walk with God and are positively impacting many lives. Take the lead.
2. Getting Wisdom takes action on our part.
Consider this passage from King Solomon - Proverbs 2:1-6
1 My son, if you receive my words,
And treasure my commands within you,
2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom,
And apply your heart to understanding;
3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment,
And lift up your voice for understanding,
4 If you seek her as silver,
And search for her as for hidden treasures;
5 Then you will understand the fear of the Lord,
And find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
Receive, treasure, incline, apply, cry, lift, seek and search are action words.
Wisdom is given to those who seek it. Picture a quarterback throwing the long ball. Let's name the ball 'wisdom'. The quarterback drops back in the pocket and launches a long pass towards his streaking receiver who is kicking it into high gear to haul it in. That receiver isn't jogging down the field. He isn't 'hoping' to catch the pass. He's putting the effort in. He is acting. He's all in folks. He's doing his part to make the play. Likewise, there is some doing on our part to receive wisdom.
“It is God’s nature to hide things.”
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Proverbs 25:2 that says, "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter."
This verse may be shocking to you. It was to me when I first read it a few years back. But, it was extremely liberating to me because then I realized why I didn't understand a lot of stuff.
I want you to really catch this one. This could change your life. Grab this... it is God's nature to hide things. He loves it. It's His glory. It's what He does.
We have to embrace our role in this relationship - "to search out a matter."
Let's be honest, life can be frustrating at times. There can be many things in our lives that we don't understand. However, if you understand your role in this relationship (the seeker - the 'wise' receiver), you will love your part.
God is luring you in. Run towards Him. Open your heart to Him. Receive Him and what's He's wanting to toss your way. Be wise, receiver.