Overcoming Turnovers

Turnovers kill a game.

Or at least they kill the team who has them most.

I watched the packers lose miserably against the Detroit Lions yesterday one turnover at a time. The Lions aren’t even a good football team. At one point in the third quarter, the game was up by 3 for the pack, the back up quarterback looked ready to play and drove the ball all the way down the field to the 9 yard line. Things looked good for the packers. All they needed to do was try to run the ball into the goal line, and if all else failed, to kick it in for 3 points.

The momentum was on our side. Things were looking good. The Lions fans were quiet, and then…that wretched interception doomed us to defeat.

Turnovers kill the momentum. They kill the spirit, and they kill the game.

I know. I’ve had my share of spiritual turnovers. Things may be looking good. I feel good, and I’m making good decisions. The enemy looks small. I’m almost at the goal line ready to score.

When Bam! The turnover comes out of nowhere. I’m told the enemy forces the turnover. Perhaps that’s true. But either way, now I’m down on my face unable to get up.

When turnovers happen, the sense of failure and defeat is the hardest obstacle to overcome. The fact is that the game is still going on, and the team hasn’t lost any players or ability. It’s all in the mind.

How can you overcome turnovers in your life?

1. Expect them to come: Turnovers are as much a part of football as they are a part of life. Teams can have turnovers and still win. Don’t act utterly shocked by their occurrence.

2. Guard against them: By mid season, most teams who will make it to the playoffs have figured out how to guard against them. Their defensive lines are stronger, their quarterbacks smarter, and their receivers readier. Strategically guard against turnovers in your life. Look for areas of weakness and build them up.

3. Minimize them: If you’re gonna have a turnover, have it, but keep em low. Don’t walk into them. It’s easier to mentally remain focused without turnovers then to get up after a turnover.

4. Get back Up: Don’t let the turnover keep you down. Most teams that commit turnovers end up losing because they just don’t have the mental fortitude to get back up after a turnover. In proverbs it says that though a righteous man falls 7 times, he gets back up again. The key to winning despite turnovers is to not let them mentally defeat you.

I don’t care how many interceptions or fumbles you’ve had in your spiritual walk. Make it your goal today to put them behind you and focus on winning the game for Christ.

It’s the only way to victory!

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