Practice Makes Perfect

Read Luke 21:1-24

"Pistol Pete" Maravich is widely considered to be one of the greatest shooters to ever play the game of basketball. In college at LSU, Maravich scored an astounding 3,667 points in just three years without the benefit of the 3 point shot. This still stands as the the record for the most points scored in college basketball history. He went on to have an amazing professional career with the Atlanta Hawks and New Orleans Jazz of the NBA.

How did he get to be such a great shooter? Those who knew him well called him a "gym rat", someone who spent countless hours perfecting his game in the school gym. Maravich, a spectacular showman with equal ballhandling and passing skills, practiced and practiced and practiced and practiced until everything simply became second nature to him. In the past 40 years, there has been no one like him in the college or pro ranks.

There is much to be learned from the example of Maravich from a spiritual perspective. Maravich was second to none because he invested so much time into his game. Spiritually, for the believer, the gym is the prayer closet. Time spent in Bible study and prayer prepares the follower of Christ to be bold in the faith even during times of persecution. Jesus spoke about this in this passage...

But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. Luke 21:14-15 NIV

In order for Jesus to give His followers words of wisdom, they first have to be walking with Him each day, connecting with Jesus through prayer and meditation on the word. Only then can Jesus empower His followers in the face of opposition and persecution.

How are your spiritual practice habits? How much time do you spend in the "gym" in prayer and meditation?

What changes do you need to make in your daily habits to make more time to spend with Jesus?

Dear Jesus, give me a passion for Your word and for spending time in prayer today. When the time comes, give me words of wisdom to speak to those who do not know about the hope I have in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.