By Sheree Craig
“Red Rover, Red Rover, send ____________ on over.” Remember this fun, outdoor, no electric source required, communicative, active game? It was a playground must during the elementary and middle school days. We would hike over the hill at my elementary school and take over the field to play.
Now, don’t get me wrong, the game could become a bit nasty. Running full force into a barrier created with locked arms could damage muscles for sure. We did not care. Our focus remained on preventing the enemy from breaking through and therefore defeating the opponent while capturing each teammate one at a time.
Careful selection occurred as the captains stood calling out chosen teammates. The strong, sturdy children provided increased possibility to gain the win as they could break through any barrier. The interesting spin of the game came when two weaker children bound arms together tightly and with perseverance sent a sturdy child to the ground. The barrier stood strong when two children bound and determined to defeat the enemy came together, holding on for dear life.
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:19-20 NIV).
My dear friends, I have come to realize over the years that God did not intend for us to live in this world alone. He left a priceless Written Legacy as a reminder we are NOT alone. Daily, we must engage in the words written. Daily, we stand at the front line in battle with our enemy. The battle can become pretty nasty from time to time. The enemy runs full force with every fiery dart in his possession, every foothold he knows, and every tactic up his sleeve to bring us down. The enemy works diligently every hour to break our protective barrier.
Protective barrier? Do you have one?
Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart;for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it (Proverbs 4:21-23 NIV).
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7 NIV).
Daily, build a barrier which the enemy cannot break through – His Word placed in your thoughts will create an environment where the enemy cannot remain. His lies stand no chance when firing God’s Truth full force. While building such a barrier, let the walls surrounding your heart crumble and allow others inside. Carefully select teammates who will build you up, not tear you down. Choose those along the path with spiritual strength, commitment to Him, and abounding love. Share together. Humble yourselves and allow weakness to become your strongest protection and means of connection to those seeking a teammate.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).
“Red Rover, Red Rover, send our future teammates on over!” Together we will deflect any fiery darts, avoid the footholds, break down the tactics and put the enemy in his place – BEHIND US!
Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns” (Matthew 16:23 NIV).
Be armed and ready daily by studying His Truth, building a sturdy team and accepting God’s grace. Put the enemy in his place. You will have the strength with God on your team. Lock arms with Him, trust His ways, and walk in faith. Strong and steady dear friend.
