We Are Not of Them Who Draw Back

To my son, 

                I mentioned to you yesterday that I read an article saying that the Wi-Fi network name at the Delta Center has been changed to “JordanPushedOff”. It refers to the sixth game in the NBA Finals on June 14, 1998 when Michael Jordan, guarded by Utah Jazz player Bryon Russell, made the final shot to win the game by one point and the series. The article describes it: “Prior to pulling up for the shot, Jordan …ahem… encourages Russell’s momentum with his left hand before pulling up at the free throw line to sink what proved to be the difference-making basket in his sixth and final championship.” So, of course, Jazz fans have argued that it was an offensive foul and the shot shouldn’t have counted! But, alas, it wasn’t called and that was the end of the game and the season. And, 25 years later, there are some that still can’t let it go!

On a more serious note, this reminds us that sometimes in life there are things that happen which we feel are unfair. There will certainly be times that you feel that you have been disadvantaged by something or that the actions of others were detrimental to you by no fault of your own. When that happens, you can either become bitter or you can learn to let it go and turn to the Savior for strength and power to overcome all of your challenges. I promise that the latter option is always the better course! Paul was one who faced many such challenges, being treated unfairly time and time again as he faced terrible persecution for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. I love, though, his words to the Hebrews encouraging them and all of us to persevere through even the most difficult trials. After referring to their “great fight of afflictions” and their “reproaches and afflictions” he told them this, “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul” (Hebrews 10:32-39). I love those words! We should not cast away our confidence in the Lord when things get difficult or when life feels unfair. We can instead live by faith and trust that God doesn’t want us to “draw back” or give up. Rather we can persevere unto the “saving of the soul” and know that “all things work together for good to them that love God” (Romans 8:28).

                In the missionary manual Preach My Gospel, it says this about how we can overcome the unfairness and difficulty in life: “As we rely on the Atonement of Jesus Christ, He can help us endure our trials, sicknesses, and pain. We can be filled with joy, peace, and consolation. All that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.” I hope that you will always remember that great truth. Know that life was not meant to be perfectly fair, but in the eternal scheme of things, it will all work out in the end if we love God and rely upon the atonement of Jesus Christ. Even when you feel that you were “pushed off” unfairly, remember that through your faith in the Savior you will triumph over all your difficulties.

 

Love,

Dad