The Game Called Life

My husband and I enjoy playing Qwirkle, a game that uses colors and shapes. Points are earned based on how many cubes of the proper color and shape are in an acceptable configuration. It is challenging and fun.

Sometimes one person will earn the most points at the beginning of the game but not necessarily end up the winner.

Various players may take the lead throughout the game, or one may dominate the whole game. Sometimes we play Qwirkle quite often, and at other times, we may go months without playing. We are all engaged in a game —the game of life.

It is not a game of choice. To be alive is to be in the game.

It is played every hour of every day.

The choices we make determine, in large part, how well the game goes. Even when we make choices, sometimes there are adverse effects.

We live in a sinful world. Our adversary, the devil, delights in bringing misery, temptations, and discouraging events into our lives to keep us from being winners. Unlike the game of Qwirkle, the good news is everyone can win in the game of life. Like any game, there are principles that, if followed, lead to a fulfilling conclusion.

To top it off, we don’t have to play this game without guidance. No matter how poorly we play the game at the beginning, we can turn our lives over to God, and He will guide, encourage, and strengthen us. He has promised to be with us in every play that we make. He delights in making us winners and assures us in Isaiah 41:10 that we don’t need to be afraid or discouraged because He is our God and will strengthen and help us each step of the way. These promises don’t give assurance that every day will go exactly as we plan or hope, filled with sweetness and smooth sailing.

However, they tell us that we aren’t going it alone.

The Creator of the universe knows and loves each of us so much that He chooses to be there for us every moment of every day.

He intends to make each one of us a winner.

It is up to us to use His strength to give us victory in this game called life.

Marian Hart-Gay