Life Lesson Concerning Kick-outs and Timing

I have a guilty pleasure. I like to watch WWE Monday Night Raw. It all started when I was in high school and went to my first wrestling match. It was not actual wrestling. We call it “wrassling” in North Carolina. It ended in the throwing of a metal folding chair and an audience brawl. My youth pastor hustled us out of there. Can you believe he took us there in the first place? I thought it was hilariously awesome. Since then I have sporadically checked in to see what is going on in the WWE and who is who.

My favorite thing is when one guy is pinned down and he throws his legs out (called a kick-out) before the ref counts to three. His opponent has to let him go. I don’t know if this is exactly a rule but it always happens and adds to the drama of the fight.

I was thinking about the kick-out and wondering why life didn't give us one. Wouldn't it be great if we could have a kick-out anytime we feel under stress and pressure? Not having a great day at work? Kick-out. Not getting along at home? Kick-out. People making fun of you because you are a Christian? Kick-out. Depressed? Kick-out. Frustrated? Kick-out. Angry? Kick-out. Then the oppressor or oppression would have to let you go. That would be a nice thing to have in my life tool kit.

To my great astonishment I realized I have a kick-out. All this time, I had a kick-out and was not using it. The ref would get to three in my life and the opponent would win. When all along, I could have used my kick-out option.

David said in Psalm 13:1-2

How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day after day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my enemy triumph over me?

The ref beats the mat; one, ...two, ...and just before three.....

The kick-out is in verses 5-6

But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.

Our kick-out when we are held down by Satan’s forces is…..Trust and Understand God's Character.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. And lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways understand Him, and he will make your paths straight.  Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust = belief in the reliability, truth, ability, and strength of our God over the situation

Understand God = Know God's character even if you don't understand the why of the situation

Then we are released from the bondage we feel. We still have to get up and continue the fight but we won't be out. The opponent doesn't win.

Then we get happiness and security from our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Life lesson: You can always use the kick-out option but your timing is critical.