Question:
What do the World Series Champion 1969 New York Mets and the 2007 Superbowl Champion New York Giants have in common? Oh, and before you answer, “both teams being from New York” doesn’t count!
Answer:
Both teams were “underdogs”. The Mets went on an incredible late season run while the Cubs collapsed. On the other hand, the Giants defeated the heavily favored and previously undefeated New England Patriots in the Superbowl.
The players made sacrifices (physical & emotional) to play their chosen sport; focusing on being crowned “the best” one day. In return they received the fame, glory and riches (rings and trophies) associated with being “world champions”.
Ask any player on each of those teams prior to the game, “Who’s going to win the game and become a champion?”. Every man would answer the same, “We are!”.
If I have heard it once, I’ve heard it a 1000 times, when the underdog is asked AFTER the game, “How was your team able to overcome such huge odds?” The answer has always been “that’s why we play the games”.
“That’s why we play the games.”
Speaking of “playing the game”…
When you’re stuck in the muck and mire of life, believing there’s “no end in sight” -> what carries you through to victory? From where does your strength come? How do you “play the game”?
In Psalm 121:1-4 it says, “I will lift my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes form the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber or sleep.”
How “solid” is that? Seems like something you’d want to stuff in a pocket and pull out when “life gets tough”, doesn’t it?
Why wait?
The scripture is telling you God is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year! God never sleeps. Never has. Never will. He is ready and waiting to hear from you.
So, how does God reward you for participating in this thing called life?
He provides everything and anything you’ll ever need. God’s provision will never run dry. Never. All you have to do is ask.
He offers you eternal life simply by believing his son died for the forgiveness of your sin. All you have to do is believe.
It’s just that simple – ask and believe.
Sometimes music conveys thoughts & ideas that I simply can’t. The song “Almost Home” by Mercy Me provides the “big picture” I need to see right now – that no matter how difficult life’s struggles are or how large life’s burdens can be, we are almost home.
Dan’s View 