Last Thursday Jan and I made a fast trip to DeWitt to see our 6th grade grandson, Nick, play in his leagues’ championship football game. It is not unusual for me, while sitting in the stands watching such a game involving one of my grandchildren and before that my children, to spend time in prayer selfishly praying that our team will win. Thursday evening, while sitting in the bleachers, being buffeted by 35-mile an hour winds, it dawned on me that my prayer would cause a serious dilemma for God. While praying that Nick’s team would be victorious, there would be those who were praying for victory for the other team. Does God have to choose who is going to win based upon the number of prayers received from both sides? I think not. Instead, I prayed that Nick and his teammates would do their best. To me this was a “win-win” prayer. If they won – great. If they lost, they could hold their heads high knowing they had done their best. We could still relish the two great punts that Nick executed or his quick action as he recovered a fumble.
All of us are a member of one of God’s many teams, here, at First Presbyterian. I would trust that each of us, as member of the team, want to be successful as we pursue the Christian goals that are before us. Yet, realistically, we know that there will be times that for whatever reason we will taste defeat. Thus it is important that we pray for the members of our teams asking that God will help them to do their best as they serve Him. Have you prayed for those team members? Have you prayed for yourself asking that God would give you the ability to do your best as a member of the team?
As we endeavor to do our best in whatever role we find ourselves, as a member of God’s team, may we always feel God’s presence as our coach.
Oh yes, we lost the game but the team did their best.
God’s Blessings to you all, Pastor Walt