By Staff Writer, Matt Osborne The Denver Nuggets continued their dominant postseason play on Thursday night by opening up the NBA Finals with an impressive 104-93 win over the Miami Heat. Per usual, two-time MVP Nikola Jokic led the charge for the Nuggets, recording 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists for his seventh triple-double in the past nine playoff games. Miami made a concerted effort to stifle Jokic’s offensive production in the first half by fronting him in the post and sending multiple defenders his way. But rather than stubbornly forcing up difficult shots, Jokic remained patient and turned his attention to finding open teammates around him. Though he attempted only three field goals in the first half of play, Jokic still dominated the action by handing out ten assists as the Nuggets raced to a 17-point halftime lead. After the contest, Denver head coach Mike Malone praised Jokic for his ability to resist forcing the action, and simply take what the defense gave him. Malone remarked, "That's the beauty of Nikola. I learned a long time ago, the defense tells you what to do, and Nikola never forces it. If they're going to give him that kind of attention...he's going to just pick you apart.” Jokic confirmed his approach to the game by telling reporters, "I don't force it. I never force it, I think. I just take whatever the game gives me." As followers of Jesus, how many times have we failed to “take whatever the game gives me” because we've stubbornly committed to our own plans and dreams? The Bible tells us we can have plans and dreams in life, but that they should be driven by an ultimate desire to glorify God. When we "force" our own goals, we fail to see the ways God may be orchestrating us to change course. The apostle Paul demonstrated a willingness to adapt his plans according to how God was moving in his life. The Bible tells us numerous times that Paul made plans to go to a particular place, only to have God arrange circumstances that necessitated him to go in a different direction (see Acts 16:6, 2 Corinthians 1:15-2:1-4, and Romans 1:11-13). Ultimately, our dreams and desires must be placed at the feet of Jesus as we surrender them to Him. We must avoid the temptation to think God is going to automatically make our plans turn out exactly the way we want them to simply because we have good intentions. James 4:13-16 (ESV) says, “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit’ — yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil.” The issue is not with planning, in general, but is a matter of presuming God will always help us accomplish our goals in the specific manner we desire. Proverbs 19:21 (NLT) reminds us that, “You can make many plans, but the LORD’s purpose will prevail.” While navigating through life, we must be aware of how God is leading and guiding us. Though we may have seemingly good plans built on what we think are pure intentions, God isn't obligated to bring about everything we desire. Sometimes He'll arrange the circumstances in such a manner that it's to “take what He is giving us” so we can bring Him glory in another way. Although we don't always know if we should make a shift and head in a different direction, sometimes difficulties and trials show up to get us to change course. Other times, they're simply there to help us grow and mature as we continue down the same path. By relying on the Holy Spirit and the wisdom given in Scripture, we can make the best decisions possible. But, let's be mindful not to "force" our plans or willfully cling to what we hope to accomplish. As King David wrote in Psalm 23, the Lord does indeed lead and guide us, yet, it's ultimately for His name’s sake (Psalm 23:3). I’m Matt Osborne and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, please help me know the correct paths I should take to bring You glory in my life. Help me not to cling so desperately to my own plans, but to trust You will guide me to where I need to be. May it all be for Your name’s sake. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR PACKS:
1. Why is it sometimes difficult for us to let go of our dreams, desires, and plans?
2. What are some ways we might be able to get a better idea of whether or not we should make a change to our plans as we follow Jesus?
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