Most people assume that Tug of War is a sport that only requires power and endurance, but in actuality, it is a technical sport requiring mechanics and strategy to be effective. This is executed with the help of what is known as a driver. Though not actually in the game, the driver directs their team on the exact moments to “pull” and exact moments to “hang” to prevail in victory.

When the driver notices that the opposition is attempting to pull, they call it a “hang.” The command “hang,” also synonymous with the command “rest,” may insinuate an order to chill out, disengage, or release the stance, but it is quite the contrary. The driver calling for a “hang” instructs the team members to stand in place, drop their center of gravity, and hang tight using their weight as an anchor. Feet are planted into the ground and there is limited movement. This tactic is used to wear down the opposing team in their pull efforts by providing resistance. It is the idea of a relentless refusal to be moved by the fight in front of you. The combined weight and resilient effort in a “hang” state provide stabilization that makes it hard for the opponent to get the upper hand. The hang is the equivalent of being rooted, unshaken, or immovable despite the onset of attacks coming at you.

Contrarily, the driver can call for a “pull” in the game of Tug of War which prompts the team members to dig in their heels and collectively power walk backward without surrender. This is executed by a coordinated, all-out effort to dominate the opposing forces.

When life hits hard, God calls for us to tighten our grip and pull with all of our might, resisting the urge to let go of our rope—hope. The good news is that we are not pulling alone. The Lord has sent us a host of angels to help tow the load and fight with us.

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. – Psalm 32:8 ESV

While waiting, there will be times when we must remain steadfast in our situation (hang) and times when we must pursue our destiny with full force while hauling the weight our adversary loads on us (pull). In either case, we can’t do it alone, so our best option is to cling tightly to the directions of our Driver—God. He has the big picture in His view and will give us the command to secure the victory.

And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. – Isaiah 30:21 ESV

In your wait . . . release the weight of control. Allow God to direct you on when to strengthen your spirit in pursuit and when to rest in His promises.

Prayer

Father God, You are my Helper. Order my steps and make clear the direction in which I should go. Teach me to know when to fortify myself for the battle and when to rest in Your sovereignty. Amen.