If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take us his cross daily, and follow Me.

For whoever  desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me, will save it.

– Luke 9:23-24

In the world of athletics, coaches are constantly evaluating and making adjustments. Football coaches move players closer to the line of scrimmage to slow down an opponent’s strong running attack. Baseball coaches have their players move up in the batter’s box when facing a pitcher with a good curve ball or off-speed pitch. Basketball coaches switch from man-to-man to a zone defense if they are facing a quicker team. Coaches unwilling to make adjustments usually aren’t very successful.

Spiritual adjustments are important too! When God reveals His will for us, we must be willing to make the adjustments to be obedient. We can’t continue to live life as usual or stay where we are and go with God at the same time. Noah could not continue life as usual and build an ark; Moses could not stay on the back side of the desert herding sheep and stand before Pharaoh at the same time; David had to leave his sheep to become King; Peter, Andrew, James and John had to leave their fishing business in order to follow Jesus; and Saul (Paul) had to completely change directions in his life to preach the gospel to the Gentiles.

Successful coaches must be willing to make adjustments. To be a follower of Jesus, we too must be willing to make adjustments. Until we are ready to make those adjustments, we are of little use to God. Are you living for Him or is it time to consider making a few adjustments?

Heavenly Father, we want to follow You, but we are weak and stubborn. Forgive us Lord and teach us to trust in Your promises. Help us make the adjustments that need to be made and use us today for Your glory. AMEN