Offsides

Fall has once again arrived to the United States. With the fall also comes cooler temperatures, leaves that turn into an array of beautiful colors, and football. Football season is almost a season of its own. Snacks, team colors and television make the game an event to thoroughly enjoy each week throughout the fall.
Watching this year's football games, I have noticed a large number of offsides penalties. A penalty of offsides is issued when a player moves across the line of scrimmage prior to the football being snapped by the center of the offensive team. Offsides penalties can occur with players on both the offensive and defensive teams. Regardless of where the player is standing at the start of the play, it is never acceptable to move forward before the play has officially begun.
Often, the quarterback will attempt to bring members of the defensive line across the scrimmage line just a bit early. This can be done by calls and actions that imply that the play has begun, when in reality the ball has not yet been snapped. It takes careful balance by each player to be engaged and ready for action without letting that excitement and readiness cause premature movement.
It is important that Christians do not enter into a spiritual offsides. This condition occurs when we try to move ahead of the plan of God. Whether it be excitement over good things to come or fear that evil will overtake us, we must never move ahead of God’s timing.

Jesus commands us to follow Him. “And He said to them, Come after Me [as disciples—letting Me be your Guide], follow Me.” (Matthew 4:19a AMP) He desires to be our guide. Never does He send us out on our own but is always with us. Our hearts cry must be, “Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You [You only and altogether] do I wait [expectantly] all the day long.” (Psalm 25:5 AMP) We must remain behind Him in order to follow.

 Waiting is not always easy, but it is essential. When we step ahead of the Lord, we are actually stepping off of His side and into a danger zone. Our place of safety and protection is following Him into the path that He has already prepared. “The steps of a [good] man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way [and He busies Himself with his every step].” (Psalm 37:23 AMP) Jumping ahead we will lose sight of that path.

The enemy of our souls will often make in an attempt to entice us into moving ahead of God's plan by placing temptation or fear in our path. He attempts to make us believe that God is not moving fast enough and that we must do something immediately. These thoughts are an attempt to lead us into a trap. “They set a net for my steps; my very life was bowed down. They dug a pit in my way; into the midst of it they themselves have fallen. Selah [pause, and calmly think of that]!” (Psalm 57:6 AMP) The end result is disastrous. We cannot allow appearances or circumstances to cause us to rush out prematurely.

 When we are on the offensive, we must not allow our excitement and anticipation of great things ahead to cause us to step out early. This misstep can damage not only God’s plans in one’s personal life, but can also hinder the work of the team we call the body of Christ. In this last game, a caught pass and resulting touchdown were called back because another team member had been offsides and the flag had already been thrown. The hard work of his teammates had been rendered unproductive because of one premature misstep. We do not want our actions to damage or nullify the work of fellow believers.

Patience is key to successful work for the kingdom of God. We must wait for the order for forward movement. “But as for me, I will look to the Lord and confident in Him I will keep watch; I will wait with hope and expectancy for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” (Micah 7:7 AMP) We continue waiting and expecting. “Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14AMP)

 Many verses in Scripture about waiting were penned by King David. David knew what it was to be in battle. He often faced circumstances that seemed insurmountable. He knew his limitations and the need for his army (his team) to wait on the direction of the Lord. “Our inner selves wait [earnestly] for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield.” (Psalm 33:20 AMP) They did not move until they heard God’s voice and they ultimately succeeded. “Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way level (straight and right) before my face.” (Psalm 5:8 AMP)

Are you willing to wait? Whether exciting times are ahead or difficult circumstances are causing you to tremble, wait on God’s timing and direction for you. He knows the way. “Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths.” (Psalm 25:4 AMP)