I follow soccer as much as possible and as time permits. Whenever I watch a match (as with other things I do), I try to see if there are underlining life-lessons to be learnt. The truth is that everything around us has elements of applicable truths.
When a team scores first (especially in the early minutes of the game), the goal is usually accompanied with hysteric jubilation. You would also see various degrees of celebrations by the players and their loyal fans. The joy and happiness is usually unspeakable.
However, in most cases, those celebrations, joy and happiness are immediately cut short and forgotten if the opposing side scores, equalize and go on to win the game. So, what happened? There are many possibilities.
Firstly, it is possible that the team that scored first assumed that the game is already won and dusted so they relaxed. Secondly, it is possible that the opposing team learnt from their mistakes, made some tactical changes and bounced back. Thirdly, it is possible that in spite of their best efforts, the team that played better but lost was just unlucky. Fourthly, it could also be that there were some officiating errors that affected the game.
What can we learn from this? ‘THE GAME” is not over yet…until it is over. “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!” – 1 Corinthians 10:12. In life, you will definitely experience some successes. Many successes. But like Paul in Philippians 3:14, you need to “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”. You have been enlisted into God’s army. Don’t look back.
The journey is filled with ups and downs. Mountains, hills and valleys. Fire, waters and trials. Unfortunately, each one will have to go through challenges and hopefully not remain there. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me”
God has promised never to leave you nor forsake you. Will you forsake God? The game is not over but we know the result of the game because the referee is God, our Father. So don’t be “weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not”. You need to prayerfully endure to the end. Matthew 24:13 says “But he who endures to the end shall be saved.”
May the Lord help us to stay the course and stand for the cause... till we win THE GAME!
Remember to post your thoughts and comments so that we can all learn from each other. God bless you. Written by Michael Chidubem for The Kingdom TV..