Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame last week, and during the ceremony, he told a humorous story about Byron Russell (former NBA player). Byron Russell was disappointed that Jordan had retired (1993-1995), because he hadn’t had an opportunity to defend him. Jokingly, Russell told Jordan, “If I ever see you in shorts, I’m going at you.” While Russell meant it as a joke, Jordan took it personally and vowed to prove Russell wrong. And, when Jordan returned to basketball, he definitely proved Russell wrong. After two NBA Championship victories and NBA Finals MVP awards against the Utah Jazz, Byron Russell’s team, I think it’s safe to say that Michael Jordan silenced Russell’s assumptions.
I think Satan was a lot like Byron Russell. He was so intoxicated by his devouring prowess, that he thought he was the superior being. God, like Michael Jordan, took Satan’s assumption personal and vowed to prove Satan wrong. So, He introduced Job, His all-star, who was blameless, a man of integrity, and in love with Him. God let Satan attack Job just to prove that He was the supreme force. And God certainly proved Satan wrong. Though Job lost everything he had, He still trusted God. Job’s triumph silenced Satan and crowned God as the greatest of all time!
Maybe your hopeless situation is another opportunity for God to prove Satan wrong. Maybe it’s not about you; rather, it’s about God being glorified through you. Just hang in there, and watch God silence Satan through your victory!