UNPACK This...About WaitingSample

Stuck on the Back of the Rim 

In February 2017, Virginia Tech got a big home win (80-78) over in-state rival Virginia in double-overtime. Virginia Tech won when Seth Allen hit a shot with just over 3 seconds left on the clock.

UVA had a strong chance to win in the first overtime when Virginia’s London Perrantes drove through the lane and shot a solid layup. This would have given UVA the lead with 21 seconds left on the clock, but the ball didn’t go through the net. 

Instead, it bounced around and got stuck on the back part of the rim. As the ball remained on the rim, the refs called a jump ball with the possession arrow pointing toward Virginia Tech. This unlikely situation benefited VT as they went on to get the win. 

The image of the ball being stuck, and UVA feeling helpless, illustrates a feeling we all experience. Whether we’re pushing through a struggling relationship or in a standstill career, we can relate to that crazy ball on the back of the rim. 

Unfortunately, we also go through seasons of being spiritually stuck. By relying too much on our own strength during challenging times, we become spiritually drained and lose our passion for God.

When “sitting on the back of the rim” waiting for God to move, we must continue seeking Him with all of our heart and trust Him to get us unstuck. Even when He seems silent, we can be assured He’s faithfully working. 

Psalm 143:8 (NLT) reminds us to cry out to God: "Let me hear of Your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting You. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to You."

We can also confidently claim Psalm 32:8 (NLT): "The Lord says, 'I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.'"

There is great value and purpose when being stuck forces us to be still before the Lord and rest in Him. Thankfully, when we feel like that ball on the back of the rim, we can trust the possession arrow points toward Him and His plan leads to victory. I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, help me not to give up, but push through my stuck situation with Your strength, and rest in You and Your love. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.