Lessons from Shooting Hoops

Not too long ago, I was outside playing basketball. I was trying to work on a new form for shooting, and I was having a whole bunch of trouble. I knew what to do, but the more I thought about all the steps to shoot, the harder it became. Then it came to me. I had already learned all the steps for the new shooting form, and I had already memorized them. I needed to just do it and not think about it so much. When I did this, things went a whole lot better.
This same principle can apply to a Christians life. Many times, Christians who sincerely want to live a life that would please God try so hard to do all the right things. The problem with this mentality is that no one can please God by their own efforts. No one, when trying in their own strength, can live up to what God wants. So then how can we live lives pleasing to God. By the power of His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers us with the Lord's strength to do what God wants ( Ezekiel 36: 27, Philippians 2:13, 2 Thessalonians 2: 16-17 ). Our job is to submit to His will and allow Him to work through us. We also need to draw close to God by reading His word and praying every day. Let's submit to God and allow His power to flow through us.