Faith and Football

 And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2

I’ve never really been a fan of football. For some reason, it's just hard for me to grasp the game. The tackling, field goal points, first downs, second downs, flags, running plays, posts, etc. I just don’t get it, and I never showed much interest until our Chicago Bears made it to the playoffs!

Let me tell you, there has not been this much excitement about football in Chicago since the Bears won the Super Bowl in 1986! Whether it’s the grocery store, post office, or conversations among family and friends, the Chicago Bears have been the talk of the town.

The winning season just seemed to bring people together. Strangers laughing and talking with one another, shouting, “Bear down!” Some have put music and dance to the "Bear Down" cheer. Not to mention, I’ve never seen so many people wearing Chicago Bears hats, coats, gloves, scarves, jerseys, and so on. It really “was” an exciting and bonding time for our city.

Sadly, the “cardiac Bears” lost to the Los Angeles Rams in an overtime, nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat, blood pressure-raising (hence the name cardiac Bears) thriller. The Bears, known for pulling off a last-minute touchdown, just couldn’t make it happen. Though it was a huge and disappointing loss, they received a standing ovation from the fans at the stadium.

This was a beautiful show of appreciation, but it did cause me to wonder where all this fanfare was when they were called the “Bad News Bears”? When they could barely catch a win? I admit it, I’m included in this bunch as well.

Everybody indeed loves a winning team, and there are some die-hard Bears fans, but for the most part, people can be quick to get on the bandwagon and become a fan when a team is winning. But what happens when the wagon stops rolling? What happens when the wheels fall off? What happens when there is a series of losses?

In the Book of Job, chapter 1, Job has a series of devastating losses. I mean, back-to-back unimaginable loss just in the first chapter alone.

 Job was a blameless man of complete integrity. He feared God, stayed away from evil, and was the richest person in the entire land of Uz.

One day, the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves to the Lord, and the Accuser Satan came with them, and the Lord asked him, “Where have you come from?” The enemy’s response was, “I have been patrolling the earth, watching everything that’s going on.”  Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? (Job 1:6-8 NLT)

As I continued reading, I noticed that the enemy immediately knew all about Job. He was on his job, roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth, seeking someone to devour. He already knew and stated that Job was an upright man who feared the Lord. He said that God had put a hedge of protection all around him, his home, and his property. He already knew that Job had riches. (Job 1:9-11) See, he already had his eye on Job, but at the same time God's hand was on Job, and God, being all-knowing, foreknew that Job would remain faithful to Him with His help.

The Accuser attacked Job’s motives for serving God, saying that he was blameless, had integrity, and only served God because of what he was blessed with, and said to God to reach out His hand and take away everything Job had, and that Job would surely curse Him.

At this time, God gave the enemy permission to test Job, but not to harm him physically. Afterwards, the enemy went about his business, stealing, killing, and destroying.

Job’s animals were stolen and killed. His servants, shepherds, and his ten children were killed, and the house they were in was destroyed. Job's life as he once knew it was destroyed.

 Job’s initial response was to worship and not blame God. Later on, Job’s faith began to falter, and he and God had quite a conversation. Job conceded big time. Expressed God's sovereignty and gave Him high praise.

In life, we all have had our “Job” seasons. Thank God, not close to the extent that Job experienced, but tumultuous nonetheless. When we are in those seasons, it’s easy to fall into despair, doubt, and discouragement. Even those whom we may consider strong in the faith have their moments. It’s hard out here. The world has gone mad, and at times it seems that we are tested on every side, and when the trials come, they test our faith, develop our faith, and test our motives in our race of faith.

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 1 Corinthians 10:12

If not prayerful and careful, we can find ourselves like a fair-weather Chicago Bear fan. When we’re winning in life, we’re wearing the garment of praise! When things are going well, we’re cheerful, watchful, and prayerful, but when life begins to fumble, and we experience a series of interceptions, fouls, flags, and bad calls, we can become disappointed, quiet, and withdrawn from God.

One thing is for sure: setbacks, trials, and sorrows strike believers and unbelievers alike. But as believers, we have already been set up for victory through the shed blood of Jesus Christ on Calvary’s Cross. But the thing is, we’re human. We are going to have our ups and downs, but when we do, we have the strongest Anchor in God, the Holy Spirit in us, and His infallible Word. This is our comfort in these tender and turbulent places: God understands.

For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, Hebrews 4:15a

There is no trial or temptation that He has not already faced. He sympathizes with us and prays for us. And guess what? Since He IS God and since He has already faced the things we face, He knows how to pray perfectly for us! Our Great High Priest not only intercedes but He intervenes on our behalf for our good, our growth, and His glory.

It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Romans 8:34

God desires for us to depend on Him for strength, grace, and endurance. Then, when we come out of the storm, we are to strengthen someone else.

He comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any kind of affliction, through the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 2 Corinthians 1:4

I came across this question today. I invite you to give it careful thought. When the trial comes, how do we express our faith to those around us?

How we express our faith can be a most powerful witness. Even in the transparency, vulnerability of how we're really doing, the ups and downs, and how we overcome, is an impactful demonstration of our perseverance and deep dependence on God that encourages others in their faith walk and just might draw others to Him.

For me, I'm fastening my hope with all that is within me in Jesus' promise that He will be with us all the way, even until the end of the age.

I will be with you always, yes, even until the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b

Let's determine with all our hearts to do the same for Him. No fair-weather followers! Jesus, we are with You all the way!

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