Ever feel like you just can’t win?
Try playing the shell game on the streets of New York City and
you’ll discover the very definition of “Can’t Win.”
What's this game about?
The Shell Game
I’ve performed the shell game for many years, and know most of the moves and tricks associated with this classic street con that goes back centuries, and if I’ve learned one thing it’s this - you can’t win the game! The operator is in control. In fact, the only way you could possibly win is if he wants you to.
When it comes to living our lives, while it isn’t really a “game,” we’re all working our way through. Whether or not we realize it, we're all players and there are rules. The rules were put in place before the foundation of the universe by the Creator of the game. The Bible calls Him God.
Winning the Game
There’s actually a very simple way to win. It begins by realizing that on your own, you can’t win. There's no hope. You’re playing for yourself and wanting all the stuff you think winning can bring.
However, when you realize that you’re playing for the wrong thing, the operator does, in fact, make the rules, and you stop playing for yourself and start playing for Him, everything changes.
The Operator
The Bible tells us that the operator of this “game of life” is God. He spoke the universe into being. He created each and every person who has ever lived, or will live, including you. He created you with a purpose - to glorify, serve, honor, and obey Him. The Bible tells us, "whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31) Psalm 96 says, "great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; ...the Lord made the heavens… Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name.”
The Problem
The problem is that you haven't honored God. You've prioritized yourself and your own desires. We all like to think that we're "good people," but according to God's standard, that's not the case. Have you ever told a lie? That makes you a liar. You've broken every one of the 10 Commandments. Romans 3:10-12 says “...None is righteous, no, not one... no one seeks for God... no one does good, not even one.” Romans 3:23 & 6:23 say “...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God... and the wages of sin is death…” You are sinful and will one day stand before God in judgment. Acts 17:30-31 – “…He commands all people everywhere to repent, because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness…” The guilty will be punished. You owe a debt you cannot pay. You cannot resolve your sin problem.
The Solution
On your own, you'll never win. But there's good news! In the midst of your sin, God did something about it. Romans 5:8 says, “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “…He (God) made Him (Jesus) to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” Jesus took the punishment for sin. Every wrong call, bad bet, and poor decision you've made must be resolved and only Jesus can do that..
The core truth of the good news is that Christ died, was buried, and rose again. He paid the debt for all those who trust in Him.
So how do you do that?
Your Only Safe Bet
Romans 10:9-10 says, “if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Mark 1:15 says, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” We must turn from our sin and trust in Jesus alone to be saved. It’s more than believing facts. It involves turning away from sin and living a life of obedience and commitment. You must trust in, rely on, and cling to Jesus alone as the only solution to your sin problem. Only Jesus can save you.
Will you repent and believe in Jesus as your Savior and Lord?