FreeCell

Philippians 3:12-16

On any computer with Windows, you will find the card game, ‘FreeCell.’ When I come to a stopping place at work, I play a quick game.’ When faced with a tough situation, I’ll pause for another round. When I’m feeling good or when I have a few minutes, I’ll whip out “FreeCell.” According to Microsoft, “The object of FreeCell is to move the cards to the home area, using free cells as placeholders.” The rules then add a mysterious extra note: “It is believed (although not proven) that every game is winnable.” Really?

Maybe every game is winnable for a genius but not for me. Sometimes a game is so easy, anyone can play: the cards seem to fall into place. Sometimes you can look ahead and make a calculated move or two. Sometimes you make a mistake or a dumb move and end up defeating yourself. Sometimes despite your best efforts the game proves too challenging, forcing you to quit.

More often, you are in a tight spot and one or two moves away from disaster. You’ve reached a turning point. The temptation is to give up. It would be easier to start over but if you quit, you lose. However, if you refuse to give up: stop for a moment, regroup your thoughts and approach the game with a fresh dose of creativity you will often be rewarded with renewed insight resulting in a small correction that leads to a series of good moves resulting in an immensely satisfying victory.

But “FreeCell” also offers life lessons. Sometimes, everything in life seems so easy, and our decisions always seem to turn out right. Sometimes, we only need to make a few good choices to keep things going smoothly. Sometimes, we make a mistake or do something dumb that causes an obvious setback. And sometimes, despite our best efforts everything seems too challenging, forcing us to start over.

Sometimes, we are in a tight spot and one or two moves away from disaster. We’ve reached a turning point. The temptation is to give up. It would be easier to start over but if you quit, you lose. But if you refuse to give up: stop for a moment, regroup your thoughts, then approach your situation with a fresh dose of creativity you will often be rewarded with renewed insight resulting in a small correction that leads to a series of good moves resulting in an immensely satisfying victory.

The promise of Scripture is: “I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us up to heaven.” Consistent winners within the journey of life and faith refuse to quit when facing turning points. They turn to God, continue to explore other options, and turn potential disaster into ministry opportunities and even miracles. Whether it’s ‘FreeCell’ or life: Keep working toward that day. Forget the past and look forward. Strain to reach the end of the race because God through Jesus Christ is calling us up to heaven. “FreeCell” anyone?

Prayer Challenge: Whatever you may be facing, refuse to quit! Look to God!