One More Move
By Wendy Francis, NBC–HWC
Cognitive Health Coach
The Painting That Sparked a Deeper Truth
There is a powerful 19th-century artwork commonly known as The Devil Playing Chess, attributed to German artist Moritz Retzsch. The scene shows a man slumped over a chessboard, appearing completely defeated in a match against the Devil himself. The atmosphere feels final — as if the game, and his soul, are already lost.
For years, the painting was interpreted as a warning about temptation and spiritual defeat. But history adds a remarkable twist to this story.
“It’s Not Checkmate… The King Has One More Move”
According to the famous account, a chess grandmaster once studied the painting carefully and suddenly declared:
“It’s not checkmate. The King has one more move.”
The point was clear — the game was not actually over. What appeared to be defeat was really a moment of panic, despair, and misinterpretation. Victory was still possible… if only the player could see beyond fear.
Spiritually, this carries profound meaning.
God is the King. And when you walk with Christ, there is always one more move.
The Real Battle Is Not the Board — It’s Belief
In life, many people reach moments where everything feels lost:
- Health feels out of control
- Weight feels impossible to change
- Alcohol becomes a crutch
- Fear blocks forward motion
- Hope feels gone
And just like the man in the painting, the posture of the soul becomes one of surrender — not to God, but to hopelessness.
The enemy doesn’t always need to destroy your life. Sometimes he only needs to convince you that it’s already over.
The Difference Between Giving Up and Letting God Lead
Giving up says:
- “I’ll never change.”
- “This is just who I am.”
- “I’ve tried everything.”
- “It’s too late for me.”
But walking with Christ says something very different:
“With God, there is always another move.”
Scripture reminds us that we are never battling alone. Our King is still on the board. And He is the only One who sees the entire game.
Neuroplasticity: God’s Built-In Design for Renewal
One of the most beautiful confirmations of faith through science is the truth of neuroplasticity — the brain’s God-given ability to change, rewire, and renew itself throughout life.
This means:
- Old habits are not permanent
- Addiction is not your identity
- Your past does not own your future
- Your brain can learn righteousness just as easily as it once learned survival
Renewal is not just spiritual — it is biological. God designed your brain to align with transformation.
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2
Why Coaching Matters in the “One More Move” Moment
When people reach what feels like checkmate, they don’t need shame. They need clarity. They need direction. They need someone to remind them that the King is still in the game.
Coaching provides:
- A safe place to reset perspective
- Tools to interrupt destructive patterns
- Support while the brain rewires
- Faith-aligned accountability
Breakthrough does not come from trying harder — it comes from seeing differently.
What “One More Move” Looks Like in Real Life
God’s next move rarely arrives as a miracle. More often, it arrives as obedience in small steps:
- Choosing water instead of another drink
- Taking a short walk when emotions rise
- Preparing one nourishing meal
- Speaking one new truth over your body
- Asking for support instead of isolating
These are not small moves to the brain. These are **rewiring moves**.
For My Clients: Let This Truth Settle In
You are not in checkmate.
Even if you feel tired. Even if you feel stuck. Even if you feel ashamed. Even if you’ve made the same mistake a hundred times.
The King always has one more move.
And when you walk with Him, so do you.
It only feels like checkmate when you stop looking for your next move.
Sources & References
- Retzsch, Moritz. The Devil Playing Chess, 19th century.
- Doidge, Norman, MD. The Brain That Changes Itself.
- Harvard Medical School – Neuroplasticity & Behavior Change.
- American Psychological Association – Cognitive Reframing.
- Holy Bible, Romans 12:2.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for educational, spiritual, and motivational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or a licensed healthcare provider before making changes to your health, nutrition, or lifestyle.