How's Your Jump Shot?

The 2008 NBA Finals is in full effect right now. I think its so amazing to watch the best of the best battle it out in such a fierce rivalry. Of course, I'm a die hard Chicago Bulls fan since the days of Michael Jordan, buut our team is in the process of rebuilding its new dynasty; say watcha' like, we'll be back!

But all the commotion, emotion and sheer thrill of the game somehow got me into a state of meditation-yeah, not sure how that happen, blame God.

I think what I'm recognizing more and more, is that there are messages in EVERYTHING.

He's not my favorite, but I think Kobe Bryant is a very talented basketball player, so is Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett. However, it's Kobe I wanna use for my illustration because out of them all, he most closely resembles MJ, and hate him or love him, MJ took basketball to another level.

In a few of the past games I watched, I have just been amazed by some of the jump shots Kobe has gotten off! I mean, some tough shots! Defenders right in his face, all over him, double teaming, slapping his arm, the ball, I mean, just alot to be up against and still sink the basket.

I love the game of basketball and played some high school ball so I have some understanding of the training involved in maintaining such a high percentage jump shot-it's not as easy as it looks, but it is easier than you think. Here's what I mean. When Kobe shoots the ball, everyone watches the ball being released from his hands, and follows it into the hoop. Then, we say, "wow, what a great shot!" The thing is, that "great shot" wouldn't be possible without strength in his legs. The jump shot is unique because there are a few dynamics working all at the same time to get off the perfect shot. Momentum, release and the jump. Momentum and release is what we tend to focus on, but the true test of a great jump shot is in the legs.

What does this have to with anything, and why am I looking at Kobe's legs? lol.

Ok, smart guy. The observation is this: The success behind Kobe's jump shot is like the success behind our lives. We tend to focus on the things that will get us the most recognition, when in fact we have weak legs.

I can practice good momentum all day; catch and shoot drills, off-the-pick shooting drills, wide open shots. I can practice good release all day too; lining up the basket with my elbows, snapping the wrist after the shot to follow through; there are tons of drills. But, if I don't have any strength in my legs, my shot wont have proper elevation. And also, what happens when I get tired? Obviously my jump shot percentage goes down because I have no strength to draw from when I need it most.

What are you drawing from when you get tired, stressed, and worn out? If you have tired legs, like I've been having lately, then there's a good change you might just collapse! Collapsing in life is only a bad thing when you stay down; the key is to get up again, and again and again, and exercise the muscles in your legs which will give you more stamina, agility, and a better jump shot.

How do we build strength in our legs? Lifting weights of course. However, the only weights you need to lift in life are the ones in your mind. Psalms 55:22 says, "Cast your burden upon the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken." Meditation is strength for your legs. Make it habitual to continuously cast any burdens on the Lord, it does wonders for your spiritual legs, trust me. Just like athletes make it mandatory to exercise, we have to make it mandatory to exercise our consciousness. The Bible even makes it pretty easy by telling us where NOT to focus, and there where we are to focus. Matthew 6:25-34 says:

25"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?

26Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

27Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

28"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.

29Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.

30If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

31So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'

32For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.

33But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

These instructions can appear impossible at first, but remember, you dont start off lifting 200 lbs in the weight room the first go around, you start small and as you get stronger, you can handle more. The important thing is to not try to do it on your own, ask God to sustain you.

So, today, take one issue that has been bothering you and tell God it's now in His hands to sort out because you're too busy thanking Him for everything He has done for you so far-that means you actually have to spend the time thanking Him. Watch and see that your issue is taken care of. I'm speaking from experience.

I will tell you though, the biggest road block I've found with living this way is my own inconsistency. I would give these issues over to God, spend time thanking Him and watch the miracle happen, but then I go right back to worrying about some other problem as if I forgot how many times God has come through for me-that is the real killer. It's like an athlete saying, "Well, I won the last game/match so I don't need to keep exercising." Right. Let me know how that works out for you. It wont.

We have to keep the focus on what's most important, and strong legs is the foundation for a great jump shot, just ask Kobe.