Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts #325

Hit ‘Em Where It Hurts #325

That phrase or something similar has been used a million times in sports alone. When a receiver catches the football twice on the same cornerback, then the rest of the game the offense tries to exploit this weakness in the secondary. If a wrestler or boxer is hurt then the opponent focuses on the hurt area to secure the victory. I could go on but you get my point. 

My questions for you are, have you been hit where it hurts and what did you do about it? The reason I ask those is because everyone has issues they protect from being exposed like acquiring possessions or by earning certain “trophies”. People subconsciously play, “Keeping up with the Jones,” too. Think about it, when a neighbor buys a new car or has a home renovation then see how long it takes until another new car or home makeover suddenly appears in the neighborhood. There has to be another way.

It hurts to let go of things like money, status or comfort. But I believe everyone wants to be pushed out of their comfort zone, and they need help to do it. An athlete who wants to be great is willing to be coached to get there. A person with large debt is willing to heed the advice of a financial manager and change their spending habits. A drug addict who wants to stop using listens to a professional who provides strategies and tools towards a new life. In all three cases, the person has to choose the change and take action to make it.

Take the rich young man in Matthew 19 for example who approached Jesus asking Him what good deed must he do to have eternal life. Jesus spoke directly to where it would hurt when He said, “Sell what you have (everything), give it to the poor and follow me.” That answer hurt the man because he treasured his great wealth and possessions more than changing his life and he walked away brokenhearted. This still resonates today because a lot of people want to keep ahold of what they like and only make small changes. It’s like we want Christ to say, “That’s easy, give a few dollars to charity or work one afternoon at the soup kitchen and you’re good.” But that answer doesn’t always hurt.

Another example could be that a person is stranded in the ocean trying to not to drown when suddenly a boat shows up to rescue him. Someone from the boat throws a ring buoy to the swimmer. He was happy for the help, but after a 30 minutes of pleading with the swimmer, the driver finally yelled, “Hey, either grab the rope and let us pull you up or we’re leaving.” The swimmer who’d rather hold onto the buoy, and keep treading rather than being rescued said, “I’m good.” Essentially he turned down the rescue much like the rich young man turned down being changed.

We desire for Jesus to save or change part of our lives instead of giving Him everything so we can keep our comfy lifestyle. We want the buoy to keep us from drowning but we don’t want pulled into the boat yet. This half in, half out mentality will keep you in turmoil. 

I realize it may feel like God or life is kicking you where it hurts but it doesn’t have to. God knows there’s still one area that you need to let go of so you can truly follow Him. He’s trying to pull you up and all you have to do is grab the rope. So if you truly want a rescuer then ask God to reveal those areas that you’re holding onto and let go. Otherwise, keep treading, maybe another boat will eventually come by.

If you truly want to live your best legacy, you can’t do it alone. I’m standing by with buoy in hand ready  to throw you a line. You can learn more by visiting www.lighthouselgacies.com and listen to the Living Your Legacy Podcast.