What Indiana Pacers Taught Us!
The Indiana Pacers in Game 7 lost their fearless leader, Tyrese Haliburton in the 1st quarter due to an Achilles injury. Both the team and Haliburton knew the danger related to him playing due to prior injuries, but his will to be there for his team outweighed the decision to truly assess his injury and ability to play. Most players would have made the same decision honestly speaking. With it all on the line and it being the final game to determine the NBA champions, many would have echoed his decision.
In the midst of that injury, I saw one of the most remarkable visuals that would end up with a decision that was truly in the best interest of the team. His team gathered around and covered him as he agonized with not just the injury, but also not being able to contribute to his team’s efforts to win. As Haliburton had to be accompanied by two players to take him to the locker room, it was determined that he would not return to the game!
Let’s take the visual to Heaven’s Heights! There are times that we continue to have soldiers who are bleeding over everyone and yet we allow them to stay at that post instead of excusing them and letting them receive the necessary attention for them to heal and be made whole. Some are allowed to stay in positions for years where they have done more detriment than good.
Indiana did not allow Halliburton’s position to outweigh what was in the best interest of the team. The threat of more harm being done is what often times allow teams to come to a resolve that speaks to being concerned more so with the athlete’s overall well being.
As Believers in Christ, we can truly learn a lot by what Indiana displayed. The covering showed a united front and ability to see how game altering that moment was for the Pacers. Not only were they met with their leader going down, but also the necessary adjustments that would have to be made in real time. Although they loss the game, there was no doubt that understood next man up!
It is so crucial for Believers to move in a cadence that speaks to oneness and single devotion to the Lord. As a well-trained Army. They move in unison even without having to look at one another. They have spent enough time together and perfecting what concerns them. They become one sound and united for one cause. How much more does that apply to the Army of the Lord?
Love is not about enablement. It is about truth from the inward parts. We love 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 for reasons akin to the sustaining power behind love. It speaks of what Love is able to endure. “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” Place a highlighter and cement in your heart…It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. God’s love is a mature love and is more mindful of our maturation and wellness than our gifting and talents.
Divine Work & Pray:
Work:
Jot down in your Divine Design Journal the blessings in sitting down when injured and what that decision ultimately does for your sisters and brothers.
Pray:
Father God, when we think of all that you have done in our lives, it makes us want to serve for You. However, because you are a Good Father, you prefer us to take the stance of Mary over Martha. Sitting down to learn of the One we wait in anticipation to serve. You are a Sovereign God and you know what is needed to be shaped and molded in us. Continue to create in us a clean heart and renew a right Spirit. Our desire is to be fully whole and complete in you, so that when we do go into battle along side our sisters and brothers, we will not impede or impair the efforts of the team. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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