Learning to receive 

Note from Pastor Kristi Graner

I have never been portrayed as a fervent football enthusiast. However, since my 8-year-old grandson has embraced the sport with zeal—memorizing statistics, key players, and teams—I find myself engaging in football discussions more than ever before.

The analogies I perceive within the game are numerous.

Many people strive to spiritually shield themselves against an adversary who has already been vanquished. In our journey with Jesus, we need only to take the offensive stance—He is our protector and has triumphed over the enemy.

It doesn’t matter how scary or fearsome the enemy of our souls may seem—the truth is that he is already defeated.

Our mission as God’s offensive team is to reclaim the territory the enemy has stolen. That is our calling.

When we direct our efforts toward defense, we divert our gaze from our Quarterback, Jesus. We lose sight of the ball that He has sent our way, often missing the blessings that Jesus has in store for us or that He is sending to others through our lives.

God seeks offensive “receivers.”

“Whatsoever things you desire, when you pray, believe you HAVE RECEIVED them, and you will have them.” – Mark 11:24 (emphasis added)

Here Are Three Keys to Becoming a Better “Receiver”:

1. Let go of the idea that God is holding back from YOU.

Jesus proclaimed that if we, being flawed, know how to bestow good gifts upon our children, how much more will the Heavenly Father bestow goodness upon His children? (Matthew 7:11)

You would NEVER wish for your child to go without their needs being met.

So…“RECEIVE IT!” Know that these good gifts from the Father are YOURS.

Begin to express gratitude to the Lord for what you are receiving. It won’t deplete Him. He delights in fulfilling your needs!

2. Drop the belief that God loves some more than others.

God is no “respecter” of persons. His love envelops every soul on this earth.

Many people remain unaware of God’s goodness and love, which leads to the misconception that He is filled with wrath and only seeks to punish. This lack of awareness prevents them from receiving what God offers, causing them to miss the “pass.”

How will they learn to “receive” unless we share this truth with them?

When we accept from our “Quarterback” what He has paid for us to possess, we gain so much: salvation, healing, freedom, deliverance, love, and abundant life.

God created every human being and granted to them all the opportunities to “play” on His team and receive all that He has for them. Sadly, many choose to join the worldly team, believing it offers a better life.

We are all free agents, with the power to choose where we will navigate our lives. Ignorance of Jesus’ goodness and love leads to dire consequences.

3. When you’re on God’s team, keep your focus on Him.

Once we accept God’s invitation to join His team, our greatest challenge is to keep our eyes on the ball until we actually “receive” it.

Wait patiently for your answer—it is on its way. “Receiving” what God is sending should be your priority. Trust Him. 

Receiving is enhanced by:

• Familiarizing yourself with the “playbook” of God’s Word.

• Consistently conversing with your Quarterback, Jesus.

• Cultivating a relationship with Him through gratitude, trust, and belief.

• Practicing your reception skills—stay active with God and remain in the game.

Stay poised to catch the blessings God sends your way.

God is good, generous, and loving, ever bestowing His gifts upon you. He is always speaking, always giving, and always blessing. He sees you and hears your requests the moment you pray.

Keep your gaze fixed on Him, trust in His goodness, and prepare to RECEIVE!

With expectation,
Pastor Kristi