It's the bottom of the 9th, the score is tied, bases are loaded, there are two strikes, and the world series is on the line. The roaring crowd has silenced and everyone is on the edge of their seats. The pitcher looks to each base, signals the catcher, and winds up to pitch. The batter grips the end of the bat, begins to shift his weight to connect with the ball at exactly the right spot. Contact is made and the ball begins to climb into the sky. The outfield begins to back up farther and farther, only to watch the ball soar over the wall for a home run.

Many of you have watched this scenario and many others play out in different sporting events. It's no secret that I'm not a big sports fan, but I do love these exciting situations where it's all or nothing at the end of the game. Many of you know these type situations as the power play.

Many teams begin at the first of the season, but only the best is left standing when all is said and done. The team of people who have worked the hardest, who have sacrificed, and who have committed themselves to something bigger than they are. I don't believe our lives are much different.

I've been spending a lot of time lately just listening to people talk. It's amazing how much you can tell about a person when you just sit back and listen to them talk. I hear people living for the weekend, living for another random encounter with the opposite sex, and living for one more day to drink it all away. There is something inside of me that wants to scream out, "stop living beneath your potential!"

I will be honest with you, it is much easier to live beneath your potential. Think about it, it doesn't take as much effort and sacrifice. Many of the teams that began still made lots of money, still got to play pro ball, and are still famous. However, they didn't get the ultimate satisfaction of getting the top prize, they settled for less than their full potential.

I have decided that my life is going to be a power play. I want to live up to my full potential and refuse to settle for less. I know that I serve a great big God who has created me in His likeness and has placed me on planet earth for a purpose. I can either settle for the normal, or I can go after the power play. I choose the power play.

I want to encourage you today to live life for the power play. Don't settle for the ordinary. Don't talk yourself out of your dreams and goals. Make smart decisions that are going to enhance your purpose on planet earth and let it be for the glory of God. Scripture tells us that we were created with a plan and a purpose. Live life in such a way that you achieve everything that God has for you.

Going for the Power Play!

Brandon