Jumping the Route
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. ––1 Corinthians 10:13, NKJV
In football, cornerbacks call it “jumping the route” when they recognize a certain passing formation prior to the snap. They will trick the opposing quarterback into thinking they don’t know what’s coming, let him run the play, and then intercept the pass by “jumping” in front of the receiver. Good basketball point guards do the same thing, as do savvy soccer players. When they steal the ball, because they are so good at anticipation, these guys seem impossibly fast. It’s clear that they know the intentions of their opponents. And at least 50% of that quickness is mental. These guys are thinking a step ahead, anticipating the opponent’s move in advance.
God’s man is called to jump the route on the enemy. It’s all there in the playbook. Spiritually, it means we should expect his movements, discern them ahead of time, and move to preempt and confront them––or prepare ourselves to take a hit for a higher purpose. He’s coming, and he’s creative. Satan’s moves are prepared, well-timed, organized, and thoughtful. He’s not in a hurry. As we’ve learned, he waits for the right conditions. His timing is impeccable, and most of the time, he’s a real gentlemen at first.
But here’s the thing: Satan’s offense is one-dimensional and predictable. He runs the same “plays” over and over, and has been doing so since the Fall. Does that mean we can rest on him? Absolutely not. So study the deceiver’s playbook.
Remember though, that the battle is to be fought with the Word of God and the Holy Spirit. We don’t go against the enemy in our own power—that’s when our route gets jumped. Tap into the power of the Holy Spirit and stay alert—that way, you won’t short-circuit the power you have been given to win the game.
Thank You again, Father, for supplying me with all that I need.