There is a new movie being released to the theaters this weekend called,

Facing the Giants." The following statements are from the advertising clip

for this movie. "In his six years of coaching, Grant Taylor has never had a winning season. Even the hope of a new season is squelched when the best

player on his Shiloh Eagles decides to transfer schools. After losing their first three games of the season, the coach discovers a group of fathers are plotting

to have him fired. Combined with pressures at home, Coach Taylor has lost hope in his battle against fear and failure. However, an unexpected challenge finds a purpose bigger than just victories. Daring to trust God to do the impossible, Coach Taylor and the Eagles discover how faith plays out on the field ... and off."

I have not seen the movie but I have watched a number of video clips from it. In one of those clips Coach Taylor challenges Brock, one of his players to carry a teammate on his back as far as he can, doing his very best. What Brock discovers, as do we, is that our very best will often take us much further than we really believe possible.

Coach Taylors words to this young man at the end of his struggle reveals that giving of our very best involves more than just personal human effort. His challenge included the fact that God is the One who has gifted us with ability and we should not waste what He has given to us.

It often seems that m a n y m a n y p e o p l e a r e m u c h m o r e w i l l i n g to try to get by with as l i t t l e effort as they can, r a t h e r than giving their best.

Whether at school, work, at home or anywhere else best effort is often missing from not only our actions, but from the very depth of our motivation. God is not looking for us to outperform everyone else in life, but He is looking for us to do our best.

Your actions will always follow your beliefs.

What y o u believe a b o u t yourself, God and His ability to work in a n d through your life w i l l affect what you do and how you do it in this world. It will affect where you go and with whom you associate. Will those who follow you in this life find that you have been faithful? Will your life prove to influence and impact those who are watching so that they will be better or worse for having known you? Will those who see your life in action declare that you have given your best?

Remember God, who sees all, including the intentions of our heart, will have the final say on our life.

The Bible makes it very clear, there is coming a day of judgement when the record books will be opened on our lives and we will have to give an account for all that we have said and done. What will the report card be on your life? Are you prepared to make a whole-hearted commitment to do your best for God for the remaining days of your life?